Canadian National Teams & International Soccer

[T-Bone]

It is the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Soccer Association (http://www.canadasoccer.com/) this year and things are looking up for soccer in this country. The Women's National Team won a silver medal at the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (http://www.concacaf.com/page/WOQ/Home/0,,12813,00.html) securing themselves a spot at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. (http://www.london2012.com/) Tonight the CSA and Umbro (http://www.umbro.com/#/?locale=en_CA) will be reveling a new 100th anniversary kit and announcing a Men's friendly versus the US taking place in June before the next round of Men's World Cup Qualifying. (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/index.html) Here's hoping the game will be in Toronto!

[bluto]

admit it: you only liked last year's Umbro kit (red with the black chevron) because it looked like a starfleet uniform...

[T-Bone]

admit it: you only liked last year's Umbro kit (red with the black chevron) because it looked like a starfleet uniform...Actually I wasn't a big fan of last year's kit:
http://northamericasports.hostica.com/images/canada-jersey-womens-2012-umbro-%20vancouver-olympic-red-white.jpg

TFC's current kit looks more like a Starfleet uniform:
http://image-load-balancer.worldsportshops.com/Datafeeds/Graphics/Products/ImageCache/600x600/19475.jpghttp://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20071022152254/memoryalpha/en/images/e/ee/Man_in_a_skant.jpg

[DanTheFan]

Actually I wasn't a big fan of last year's kit:
http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CanadaNT.jpg



I guess that style is sorta like Wesley Crusher's season one uni, but I don't know if it was Starfleet issue or just civilian clothes.
19

[Will]

I guess that style is sorta like Wesley Crusher's season one uni, but I don't know if it was Starfleet issue or just civilian clothes.
19

It was a strange 80's interpretation of how people would dress in 2364.

[T-Bone]

The CSA event last night was a good time and there was a lot of good news for Torontonians. Not only will the Men's friendly versus the US taking place on June 3rd be played at BMO Field but the next 3 Men's WCQ games will also be played there as well, article here (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-to-play-four-matches-at-bmo-field-p149089). Also the new centennial jersey looks pretty sweet in my opinion:

http://i.imgur.com/AvQwc.png

They're already on sale at the CSA's site, here (http://csa.rmpathletic.com/en).

[ArgoGabe22]

Just looks like a coach's polo shirt. Don't like them at all.

[bluto]

Umbro does such awesome stuff for City and Lille... shame they couldn't do anything better than that.

[T-Bone]

Umbro does such awesome stuff for City and Lille... shame they couldn't do anything better than that.It is kind of plain but it is meant to be a throw back kit celebrating 100 years of soccer in Canada and the kits of the past. What you can't see in the picture is the material they used for the kit. It looks like cotton but it's not and gives it a really nice texture when you see it in person. The other thing is the lining in the collar. It says O Canada with a sound wave next to it repeated across it. The sound wave is Canadian supporters singing the Canadian nation anthem, a neat little touch I thought. I personally like the kit, it's simple and elegant.

[bluto]

It is kind of plain but it is meant to be a throw back kit celebrating 100 years of soccer in Canada and the kits of the past. What you can't see in the picture is the material they used for the kit. It looks like cotton but it's not and gives it a really nice texture when you see it in person. The other thing is the lining in the collar. It says O Canada with a sound wave next to it repeated across it. The sound wave is Canadian supporters singing the Canadian nation anthem, a neat little touch I thought. I personally like the kit, it's simple and elegant.

the soundwave is an idea that they stole from themselves... City had the soundwave last year (except there's is the fans at The Etihad signing Blue Moon


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7zDWpNBc3s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7zDWpNBc3s)

[T-Bone]

the soundwave is an idea that they stole from themselves... City had the soundwave last year (except there's is the fans at The Etihad signing Blue MoonIt may have been used before but I still think it's a cool touch. They will be wearing the new kits tomorrow:

Canada v Armenia friendly to be broadcast on Sportsnet at 12:00pm (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-v-armenia-friendly-to-be-broadcast-on-sportsnet-p149320)

[T-Bone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_XD4oB6xqk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7by_m3U6YOE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

2012 Canadian Men’s National Team Season ticket details unveiled – See Thee Rise (http://www.canadasoccer.com/2012-canadian-men-s-national-team-season-ticket-details-unveiled-see-thee-rise-p149544)

[T-Bone]

Canada m23 one point away from semi-final berth (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-m23-one-point-away-from-semi-final-berth-p149764)


Canada picked up another three points at the 2012 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament with a 2:0 win over host USA. Canada now has four points after two matches, which puts Canada in second place in Group A with one match remaining. Canada needs a draw or a win against Cuba on 26 March to advance to the semi-final stage.

"So far so good," said Canadian coach Tony Fonseca. "Still, it is not a job done. There is still lots ahead of us, but with the good result we look at the rest of the tournament with a positive outlook."

Doneil Henry and Lucas Cavallini scored for Canada in the win on 24 March, giving the team four points and a +2 goal differential. El Salvador leads the group with four points and a +4 goal differential following a 4:0 win over 10-man Cuba. USA is in third place with three points while Cuba is eliminated with no points after two matches.

"We are still very far from mission accomplished," said Fonseca, who wants his team to win one of two available CONCACAF spots for the London 2012 Olympics. "There is lots to do."

In Group B action, Mexico holds first place after a 7:1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago on Friday 23 May. Honduras, meanwhile, hold second place following a 3:1 win over Panama. On Sunday 25 May, Panama will face Trinidad and Tobago (16.30 ET / 13.30 PT) while Mexico will face Honduras (19.00 ET / 16.00 PT).

The 2012 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying runs 22 March to 2 April in Nashville, Los Angeles and Kansas City. While Group A features Canada, Cuba, El Salvador and USA (Nashville, TN), Group B features Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Trindad and Tobago (Los Angeles/ Carson, CA). The top two teams from each group will advance to the 31 March semi-final stage (A1 v B2 and B1 v A2); the two semi-final winners will qualify for the London 2012 Men's Olympic Football Tournament.

[ArgoRavi]

It would be nice to see some Olympic soccer for a change. As Canada hasn't played in it since '84 IIRC, we haven't seen any Olympic soccer on Canadian television.

[T-Bone]

It would be nice to see some Olympic soccer for a change. As Canada hasn't played in it since '84 IIRC, we haven't seen any Olympic soccer on Canadian television.
That's correct the men haven't qualified since '84 but the women played in '08 and will be there again this year. The game against Cuba will air tonight on Sportsnet at 6:30 ET (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/03/26/canada_cuba_concacaf_olympic_qualifying/).

[T-Bone]

Well, Canada has advanced to the semi-finals with a 1:1 draw against Cuba. I'm starting to really dislike the '90th minute. Now we most likely will be facing Mexico on Saturday on Sportsnet at 18:00 ET. More info here (http://www.canadasoccer.com/match-report-canada-m23-1-1-cuba-p149801).

EDIT: Time change game is at 8:00pm ET

[ArgoGabe22]

Here's a strange story. I played football with Evan James, the goal scorer and 1st pick of MLS supplemental draft yet he wasn't even the kicker/punter. I was in grade 10, he was in grade 12. You always here about multi sport athletes quitting football in high school for injury reasons but he still played even with soccer scholarships on the table. He was a good returner and was great delivering cracks.

[T-Bone]

Canadian Soccer Association Twitter Feed (https://twitter.com/#!/CanadaSoccerEN)

Canada vs. USA Centennial Match Tickets and Canada World Cup Qualifying Tickets available here (http://www.cansoc.org/content.php?198-Voyageurs-Tickets-How-To-Buy). Only $20 a game.

The Centennial Match Kits Just Unveiled. Only 1912 Available Here (http://csa.rmpathletic.com/en/):
https://p.twimg.com/AsjWZIoCMAADXpZ.jpg

[T-Bone]

Canada WNT 1:0 China PR (http://www.canadasoccer.com/match-report-canada-wnt-1-0-china-pr-p150726)


A record crowd watched Canada get the Olympic send-off result it so much desired: a 1:0 victory thanks to the added-time one-two punch of Diana Matheson and Christine Sinclair. In a Women's International Friendly match played in Moncton, NB on 30 May 2012, Sinclair slotted home the winning goal in the 94th minute to the delight of the provincial-record 7,534 fans.

Sinclair scored the winning goal off a Diana Matheson free kick. After Sinclair took a free kick of her own in added time, the bouncing play eventually led to a second Canadian free kick in the final minute of play. This time, Matheson took the kick and Sinclair broke in to tip the ball past Chinese goalkeeper Wang Fei. It marked the fourth added-time winner of Sinclair's international career, with previous added-time goals scored against New Zealand in 2000, China PR in 2011 (Yongchuan Cup), and Sweden in 2011.

With 7,534 in attendance, the Canada-China PR match set an attendance record for an international soccer match in the province of New Brunswick. While this marked the first-ever Women's International Friendly match in New Brunswick, previous men's, Olympic and youth matches have been played in the province (including the FIFA U-17 World Cup 1987). In three years time, Moncton, NB will be one of the venues for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

For this match, Canada's starting XI featured Erin McLeod in goal, Robyn Gayle at right back, Candace Chapman and Carmelina Moscato at centre back, Chelsea Stewart at left back, and Diana Matheson, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt, Kelly Parker and Brittany Timko from the midfield up to the attack.

In the second half, coach John Herdman replaced Chapman with Emily Zurrer (46th minute), Gayle with Rhian Wilkinson (46'), Parker with Kaylyn Kyle (46'), Timko with Melissa Tancredi (46'), Stewart with Marie-Eve Nault (58'), and Schmidt with Chelsea Buckland (74').

China PR's starting XI featured Wang Fei (goal), Li Jiayue, Wang Dongni, Ren Guixin, Lou Jiahui, Liu Shukun, Wang Xin, Pang Fengyue, Zhou Feifei, Wang Lisi and Zhang Rui.

In the first half, coach Hai Wei replaced Wang Lisi with Ma Xiaoxu (39'), Ren with Gao Qi (58'), Zhou with Peng Han (64'), and Lou with Li Wen (85'). Two Chinese players were cautioned late in the match, with both Wang Xin (89') and Pang Fengyue (90+') being shown yellow cards by referee Michelle Pye.

[T-Bone]

Canada sees opportunity to build on draw with United States (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/06/03/3147046/canada-sees-opportunity-to-build-on-draw-with-united-states)

How many of you have tickets for Canada vs. Honduras on June 12th 2012 at 7:30pm at BMO Field? (http://www.cansoc.org/content.php?198-Voyageurs-Tickets-How-To-Buy)

[Will]

I won't be there on Tuesday the 12th and you know the reason why.

[T-Bone]

I won't be there on Tuesday the 12th and you know the reason why.
That's not an acceptable reason, country before trivia team!

[Will]

I think it's my grandfather's birthday that day so I probably won't be at trivia either.
We'll tell the rest of team to parachute in the usual reinforcements.

[Rich]

Canada sees opportunity to build on draw with United States (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/06/03/3147046/canada-sees-opportunity-to-build-on-draw-with-united-states)



How many of you have tickets for Canada vs. Honduras on June 12th 2012 at 7:30pm at BMO Field? (http://www.cansoc.org/content.php?198-Voyageurs-Tickets-How-To-Buy)

I'm gonna be there and I am jacked. Here's more evidence of Toronto's lazy, wannabee sports media: shouldn't they be talking about this game? Is it not glamorous enough for them? Don't they realize it's a huge stepping stone towards Canada going to the next World Cup? (that's true, isn't it T-Bone?)

[T-Bone]

I think it's my grandfather's birthday that day so I probably won't be at trivia either.
We'll tell the rest of team to parachute in the usual reinforcements.
That's an acceptable reason.


that's true, isn't it T-Bone?
That is correct. Canada vs. Honduras is the first home game and the second game in this stage of World Cup Qualifying. The first game is tomorrow in Cuba at 2:00pm (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-to-be-featured-on-sportsnet-in-june-p150722). It is unfortunate it doesn't get the coverage it deserves and is being overshadowed by the Euro. I find the lack of responses interesting as well. It shows to me the "Canadian argument" is bullshit. I've seen many CFL fans argue that more people should be interested in the CFL because it's Canadian, yet here is Canada fighting for a spot in the World Cup and where are those same CFL fans now? Maybe I'll see you at the game Rich.

[Mulder]

That's an acceptable reason.


That is correct. Canada vs. Honduras is the first home game and the second game in this stage of World Cup Qualifying. The first game is tomorrow in Cuba at 2:00pm (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-to-be-featured-on-sportsnet-in-june-p150722). It is unfortunate it doesn't get the coverage it deserves and is being overshadowed by the Euro.


I find the lack of responses interesting as well. It shows to me the "Canadian argument" is bullshit. I've seen many CFL fans argue that more people should be interested in the CFL because it's Canadian, yet here is Canada fighting for a spot in the World Cup and where are those same CFL fans now? Maybe

T-Bone, that's because hockey is still on.

Advertising could be part of it.

Of course, it doesn't help non-cfl fans seemly know nothing about the sport and ratio in this area.


American athletes play here all the time, the leafs have a dozen on their team, the raptors, blue jays, argos.....where do you find predominantly canadian players in Toronto?

[T-Bone]

Advertising could be part of it.
I have to give the CSA and Umbro credit in this regard because they have stepped up the advertising. The subway is full of posters and I have seen them around town on billboards in a few places. Far better then the non-existent advertise done for 2010 World Cup Qualifying, though those games were in Montreal.


Of course, it doesn't help non-cfl fans seemly know nothing about the sport and ratio in this area.Lack of knowledge is another issue. I can understand with the amount of soccer that is going on that it can get confusing as to what is what.

[ArgoRavi]

I remember watching Canada at the '86 World Cup and have always hoped that they could get back there. Perhaps this is their time finally.

[argolio]

It would be great to see Ravi, but it's going to be difficult. Canada hasn't even reached the final CONCACAF qualifying round since '98. It shows how far we've fallen when tiny countries like Jamaica and Trinidad can qualify instead of us, and the Americans can build up their program from nothing to qualify for every World Cup since 1990.

[T-Bone]

It would be great to see Ravi, but it's going to be difficult. Canada hasn't even reached the final CONCACAF qualifying round since '98. It shows how far we've fallen when tiny countries like Jamaica and Trinidad can qualify instead of us, and the Americans can build up their program from nothing to qualify for every World Cup since 1990.
Part of building up the team is supporting them and how many people here are going to these games? At last count I got two.

EDIT: Canada wins 1:0 vs. Cuba!

[T-Bone]

Canada laments lack of finishing in draw versus Honduras (http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1589/canada/2012/06/12/3169614/canada-laments-lack-of-finishing-in-draw-versus-honduras)

[T-Bone]

Japan 2-1 Canada: World Cup champs take women's Olympic opener (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/match/87825/japan-women-vs-canada-women/report)

[Scotty]

That was actually a really good game, Canada looked like they were getting dominated for a while but an amazing defensive effort by Sesselmann seemed to give them a bit of a spark. Should pick up the W against South Africa on Saturday.

[mchesher03]

Canada will get a result tomorrow for sure. I'm still a bit sad our U23 men's didn't get through after knocking off the Americans - sad, would have been great experience for the young guys.

[ArgoRavi]

I really wish that we could see some of the men's Olympic soccer on Canadian TV. I haven't seen any since 1984.

[T-Bone]

Congratulations to the Canadian Women's National Team on their bronze medal win! A little late but I was in the forest camping with limited internet availability.

http://www.canadasoccer.com/files/canWNT_OlympicBronze_20120812_EN.jpg

[Mulder]

Congratulations to the Canadian Women's National Team on their bronze medal win! A little late but I was in the forest camping with limited internet availability.

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2012/08/10/hi-bc-120809-canada-womens-soccer-bronze-rtr36kt2-8col.jpg

But all rights Canada was lucky to come away with the bronze. I started watching the second half and the game was completely dominated by France. Marred by missed chances, posts, and lucky bounces, Canada looked completely gassed and tired.

Happy they won however!

[Scotty]

Lucky to come away with the bronze but should have been at least a silver. (that makes sense I swear)

[1argoholic]

Thanks to France for not being able to hit a barn with a shovel as my dad used to say. I'm not sure I've ever seen so many balls blasted all around the net. France just wasn't good enough to hit the big net. hahaha. I have no problem with that win but it would have been sweet to shut that cocky US bunch up.

[T-Bone]

Canada 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago: Canadians strike twice in Florida (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/match/90636/canada-vs-trinidad-tobago/report)

[T-Bone]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Panama_FA.png

FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Semi-Final Round, Match #3
Friday, September 7th 2012. 7:30pm ET.
BMO Field. Toronto, ON.

TV: Rogers Sportsnet ONE (English), TVA Sports (French)

Tickets Available: Here (http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&user_input=Canada+vs.+Panama&q=Canada+vs.+Panama&search.x=0&search.y=0
) or at the BMO Field (http://bmofield.com/) Gate 1 Box Office Monday to Friday from 10am-6pm and on Gameday

WC Qualifying: Canada 1, Panama 0 (http://www.sportsnet.ca/video/36625012001/40223743001/WC-Qualifying-Canada-1-Panama-0)

Canada holds World Cup qualifying fate in its own hands (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/09/09/3363364/rudi-schuller-canada-holds-world-cup-qualifying-fate-in-its)

[T-Bone]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Panama_FA.png vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png

FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Semi-Final Round, Match #4
Tuesday, September 11th 2012. 9:05pm ET.
Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Panama City, Panama.

TV: CityTV & Sportsnet ONE

WC Qualifying: Panama 2, Canada 0 (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2014-world-cup/2012/09/12/molinaro_canada_panama_world_cup/?source=video)

Hart: Canada 'second best' in loss to Panama (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/09/12/3370600/hart-canada-second-best-in-loss-to-panama)

[Mulder]

After that sad performance last night.
Now this news article comes out?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2012/09/10/soccer-canada-match-fixing.html


Not saying their related. But it looked to me as if Canada didn't really show up.

[Mulder]

Well I'll be heading to the Canada vs Cuba game on the 12th.

Looking forward to it!

[1argoholic]

Real class act those fans in Panama. Is that the only way they can beat Canada by disrupting everything Canada does. No doubt Canada was going to lose when they couldn't get any sleep. We bend over backwards in Canada letting people move here from all over the world escaping horrible living conditions and this is the crap we get in return. Real clASS!

[Mulder]

Real class act those fans in Panama. Is that the only way they can beat Canada by disrupting everything Canada does. No doubt Canada was going to lose when they couldn't get any sleep. We bend over backwards in Canada letting people move here from all over the world escaping horrible living conditions and this is the crap we get in return. Real clASS!

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/soccer/World+qualifier+Panama+fans+keep+Team+Canada+awake/7220370/story.html

Here's the new article.

[ArgoRavi]

Real class act those fans in Panama. Is that the only way they can beat Canada by disrupting everything Canada does. No doubt Canada was going to lose when they couldn't get any sleep. We bend over backwards in Canada letting people move here from all over the world escaping horrible living conditions and this is the crap we get in return. Real clASS!

That isn't much different than what Saskatchewan Roughrider fans have been known to do to the Blue Bombers on Labour Day weekend. I believe that it has gotten so bad that the Bombers don't even stay in Regina anymore on that weekend.

[Will]

Wasn't there an incident where Leaf fans outside the Philadelphia Flyers hotel in the 2004 playoffs were causing trouble? Little good it did us.

[T-Bone]

Real class act those fans in Panama. Is that the only way they can beat Canada by disrupting everything Canada does. No doubt Canada was going to lose when they couldn't get any sleep. We bend over backwards in Canada letting people move here from all over the world escaping horrible living conditions and this is the crap we get in return. Real clASS!
Whatever your opinion of the Panamanian fans actions, you have to give them credit for being passionate. Also, I don't think you can use their actions as an excuse for Canada's loss. Not when the team and its members were tweeting:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Despite the street party raging outside the team hotel all night, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23canMNT&amp;src=hash">#canMNT</a> players got good rest and are 100% focused on today's match.</p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/statuses/245571039206195203">September 11, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23drebeats&amp;src=hash">#drebeats</a> = good sleep... all focus today!!!</p>&mdash; Tosaint Ricketts (@TosaintRicketts) <a href="https://twitter.com/TosaintRicketts/statuses/245558635302899712">September 11, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Had a great sleep last night and ready for game today <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CanMNT&amp;src=hash">#CanMNT</a> vs <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Panama&amp;src=hash">#Panama</a> 8pm at Estadio Rommel Fernandez. Leggo <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Canada&amp;src=hash">#Canada</a>...</p>&mdash; Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) <a href="https://twitter.com/dwaynederosario/statuses/245557027026378752">September 11, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Canada didn't play very well and we know the result. Just means they are going to have to be better against Cuba and Honduras. By the way I don't see the relevance of Canada's immigration policy to these events.


Well I'll be heading to the Canada vs Cuba game on the 12th.

Looking forward to it!
I can't wait!

[T-Bone]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Cuba.png

FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Semi-Final Round, Match #5
Friday, October 12th 2012. 7:30pm ET.
BMO Field. Toronto, ON.

TV: Rogers Sportsnet ONE

Tickets Available: Here (http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000486DD63B9B03?dma_id=527&camefrom) or at the BMO Field (http://bmofield.com/) Gate 1 Box Office Monday to Friday from 10am-6pm and on Gameday

Post Game:

WC Qualifying: Canada 3, Cuba 0 (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2014-world-cup/2012/10/12/canada_cuba_wc_qualifying/?source=video)

Possible Cuban defections sour big Canada victory (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/10/12/3446137/possible-cuban-defections-sour-big-canada-victory)

[Mulder]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Cuba.png



http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/10/13/fifa-confirms-three-cuban-soccer-players-defected-before-match-with-canada/


FIFA confirmed they defected! haha

[T-Bone]

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Honduras_football_badge.png vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png

FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Semi-Final Round, Match #6
Tuesday, October 16th 2012. 4:00 pm ET.
Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano. San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

TV: Rogers Sportsnet

Post Game:

WC Qualifying: Honduras 8, Canada 1 (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2014-world-cup/2012/10/16/canada_soccer_honduras_world_cup/?source=video)

Embarrassment in San Pedro Sula (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/match/72601/honduras-vs-canada/report)

World Cup qualifying exit means changing of Canadian soccer guard (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2012/10/17/3457285/rudi-schuller-world-cup-qualifying-exit-means-changing-of)

[Will]

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/175/315/PicardDoubleFacepalm-1.jpg?1316330080

THAT IS ALL!

[1argoholic]

We are NOT a soccer playing Nation. Well at least the men. I just saw the lowlights on TSN. This bunch of stiffs should feel like crawling in a hole. The women continue to make the country proud and these fools push people away from the sport. The two biggest Canadian sports farces are mens soccer and basketball. Possibly why I've never taken an interest in these sports.

On a side note anytime we have the chance of putting the boots to teams in hockey and filling the net we have to. We're the only country that feels sorry when we're beating down another country.

[294life]

Blow it up. For god's sake.

[argonaut11xx]

8-1...in a freaking soccer game?....our national soccer team SUCKS...im embarrassed, and i dont even like soccer......

8 goals in a soccer game?....wow

i hear that in honduras they throw bags of urine at the visting players...no need today as our team did a full #2 on the field....

maybe the canadian soccer fans should throw bags of pee at this team when they arrive back in canada....

Paul McCallum....what are your thoughts?

[argolio]

An embarrassment of epic proportions! This makes four straight times getting eliminated in the second last round, but this was the worst because of the way it ended. At least four years ago, we only lost 3-1 in Honduras.

Every board member of the CSA should quit immediately, because getting into bed with MLSE (and the MLS) is now officially a total disaster.

[1argoholic]

Speaking of clASS acts. Tossing bags of piss at the visiting team. Nice country. What if they don't get the bag tossed far enough and nail their own fans. Sick. Guess I'll cancel my trip to Honduras. The translated meaning of Honduras in English is Golden Shower.

[LLB997]

As soon as i heard the guy on TSN a few days ago say how all Canada needs is a tie, I turned to my brother and said "it's over"

[T-Bone]

We are NOT a soccer playing Nation. Well at least the men. I just saw the lowlights on TSN. This bunch of stiffs should feel like crawling in a hole. The women continue to make the country proud and these fools push people away from the sport. The two biggest Canadian sports farces are mens soccer and basketball. Possibly why I've never taken an interest in these sports.
You admit you "never taken an interest" in men's soccer in Canada because you believe it's a "farce." From what it sounds like you watched the recap of this one game in the two years of World Cup Qualifying leading up to it. How do you expect anyone to take your opinion about the topic seriously when you pretty much admit you know nothing about soccer in Canada?


8-1...in a freaking soccer game?....our national soccer team SUCKS...im embarrassed, and i dont even like soccer......I'm embarrassed about this game as well. I haven't posted anything here until now aside from the post game because last Tuesday I felt like I had attended a funeral after watching that game. I was sad, embarrassed, disappointed, angry, numb, etc. I needed to give myself time to get back to a position of rational thinking before posting. There is no excuse for the level of play they put out in Honduras. However to say the team sucks as a whole is unfair. The two years leading up to this game was a decent run.


An embarrassment of epic proportions! This makes four straight times getting eliminated in the second last round, but this was the worst because of the way it ended. At least four years ago, we only lost 3-1 in Honduras.

Every board member of the CSA should quit immediately, because getting into bed with MLSE (and the MLS) is now officially a total disaster.
Like I said above, the game was embarrassing. BMO Field attendance went up with each WQC game so I don't see how that is a "total disaster." Beyond BMO Field MLSE really has nothing to do with the CSA, they are separate organizations.


Speaking of clASS acts. Tossing bags of piss at the visiting team. Nice country. What if they don't get the bag tossed far enough and nail their own fans. Sick. Guess I'll cancel my trip to Honduras. The translated meaning of Honduras in English is Golden Shower.It was the bags of urine that scared you off and not the fact that Honduras is known as the "murder capital of the world." This is sad: BC man killed in Honduras over iPhone (http://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-man-killed-in-honduras-over-iphone-1.1003267). I'm not condoning the actions of those men but I can't imagine what the average Honduran goes through on a daily basis, it's an extremely poor country.


As soon as i heard the guy on TSN a few days ago say how all Canada needs is a tie, I turned to my brother and said "it's over"I hope you made a ton of money on the betting scene then. I know if I were clairvoyant like you, I would help myself financially.

[argolio]

Like I said above, the game was embarrassing. BMO Field attendance went up with each WQC game so I don't see how that is a "total disaster." Beyond BMO Field MLSE really has nothing to do with the CSA, they are separate organizations.Never said a word about home attendance, so I have no idea what that has to do with my comments.

Obviously they're separate organizations, but if you don't understand the relationship between MLSE and the CSA, and what they explicitly promised for the men's national team with the establishment of TFC, then you are incredibly naive. On that basis, it's been a total disaster.

[T-Bone]

Obviously they're separate organizations, but if you don't understand the relationship between MLSE and the CSA, and what they explicitly promised for the men's national team with the establishment of TFC, then you are incredibly naive. On that basis, it's been a total disaster.I think your conclusion is premature. Things don't happen over night and TFC is just concluding its sixth season. Part of the reason TFC was created as an expansion team in the MLS was to create a higher level of play in Canada and to generate more awareness of soccer in this country. As well, to try and keep Canadian talent in Canada versus having them leave to play elsewhere. BMO Field was created as the first soccer specific facility in Canada to host the 2007 U-20 WC and to provide a home for the national team (hence why it is also known as The Nation Soccer Stadium) as well as TFC. However the biggest contribution to the national level by TFC is the TFC Academy program and training ground. The purpose of the program, to create farm teams and build up home grown talent for Toronto FC and the national team in a similar fashion as many European clubs. The training ground which only opened this year is a big step in that direction but we haven't felt the full affects of those programs yet because it is still early. Like I said these things don't happen over night and it's going to take several years maybe a decade or two to see the full impact of these programs on the national level. Hopefully we will start seeing the affects of the Academy in the 2018 WCQ and that might be a better time to asses the Academy's success or failure. Despite TFC's problems I fell its formation has been a good catalyst for soccer in this country. Since 2007 we have two soccer specific stadiums in Canada, three Canadian MLS teams, three academy programs, one academy training ground, and a hope for future expansion of the sport in this country.


Never said a word about home attendance, so I have no idea what that has to do with my comments.
Part of growing the national team and soccer in this country is to grow awareness and support for the national teams. Attendance was significantly higher this time around for WCQ than for the rounds of 2010 WCQ.

[1argoholic]

The mens national farce should just be folded right along side TFC. Both have been huge failures.

[1argoholic]

Time to blow it up real good as in stop having a national farce and speaking of farce fold TFC. It's a joke.

[1argoholic]

Bone why are you on this Argonaut site when all you give a crap about is TFC and the farce that is soccer Canada. I have no issues with people wanting to watch soccer. You only post about soccer and stick up for it like it gave birth to you. Go find a TFC site there must be one. I don't go on soccer sites and post about my love of the CFL and then rip people who don't understand that. This is a football site with a wee fringe of soccer fans!!

Calling me a real patriot by pm because I believe both mens soccer Canada and basketball Canada should both shut it down. We don't have the abilily to compete at the international level on the mens side in both sports. Getting crushed by non world powers in both sports does little to improve sport in our great country. How many kids are saying wow, I want to become a soccer player so I can be embarrassed 8-1 by Honduras? To be honest I could care even less about piss bag nation than I do now. We have enough issues in Canada like our horrible mens soccer team.

Last time I looked I was a very long time supporter of the Canadian Football League. Having been to every stadium but Molson.This will be my 27 odd Grey Cup. I have friends from all ove Canada because of the Canadian Football League. You won't find a bigger supporter of Canada. To get your little jabs in by pm is weak and lame. I lay it out right on the forum but get most of my posts yanked by the mod cops.

No need to quote and reply because I couldn't give a rats arse.

[T-Bone]

Sinclair named 2012 CBC Canada's Athlete of the Year (http://www.canadasoccer.com/sinclair-named-2012-cbc-canada-s-athlete-of-the-year-p152804)

[294life]

Happy for her. Way to go Chris!

[T-Bone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjdAkWafvns&sns=em

[T-Bone]

http://youtu.be/SKm_ethnCmE

[T-Bone]

http://u.goal.com/174800/174896_hp_thumb.jpg vs. http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k133/TopDogg79/Team%20logos/Csa_logo.png

Friendly Match
Tuesday, January 29, 2013. 9:00pm ET.
BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston, TX.

TV: Sportsnet ONE & ESPN2

Post Game:


http://youtu.be/ZuJWjOIOLes

January friendlies fruitful for Canada despite results (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2013/01/30/3712947/rudi-schuller-january-friendlies-fruitful-for-canada-despite)

[T-Bone]

http://www.canadasoccer.com/files/is/homepage/20130219_CANvsUSA_June2_www.jpg
Canada WNT set for June showdown against USA at BMO Field (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-wnt-set-for-june-showdown-against-usa-at-bmo-field-p153328)

[T-Bone]

Canada readies for clash against France (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-readies-for-clash-against-france-p153621)

Post Game:

France 1-1 Canada: Late Kyle blast earns draw for Canadian women (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4173/canadian-national-team/2013/04/04/3878160/france-1-1-canada-late-kyle-blast-earns-draw-for-canadian)

[T-Bone]

Canada WNT to hold public training session presented by Umbro (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-wnt-to-hold-public-training-session-presented-by-umbro-p153985)

[Argoholics]

T-Bone...keep the footie passion....as a guy that donned the red and white for this great country back in the late 70's, been to many games at Varsity when Canada was the not the home team, travelled to the Gold Cup to see them win it, and set plans in place every WCQ since 86 to see the red and white, it's always great to find a fellow diehard....

[T-Bone]

Canada announces roster for friendly against Costa Rica (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-announces-roster-for-friendly-against-costa-rica--p154034-preview-1&language=en)

[T-Bone]

Second-half goals cost Canada in front of record crowd (http://www.canadasoccer.com/second-half-goals-cost-canada-in-front-of-record-crowd-p154105)

[ArgoRavi]

Canada lost 1-0 to Martinique today in their Gold Cup opener. Just when you think the men's national team can't hit a new low, they surprise you.

[argolio]

Martin who???

And that's the easy team in Canada's group.

[AngeloV]

When I was reading Ravi's post, it reminded me of a Bugs Bunny episode when Bugs was singing about Martinique. Another famous line from that episode was "Say, Pardon me, but can you help out a fellow American who's down on his luck?"

Really has nothing to do with soccer, but I couldn't stop laughing.

[T-Bone]

Gold Cup 2013 (http://www.concacaf.com/category/gold-cup)

Canada's lingering problems manifest painfully in defeat to Martinique (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4206/gold-cup/2013/07/08/4102736/mccarthys-musings-canadas-lingering-problems-manifest?ICID=HP_HN_1)

Canada's loss to Martinique a rude welcome for Floro (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/opinion/2013/07/canadas-loss-to-martinique-a-rude-welcome-for-floro.html)

Don’t blame the (current) Canadian Soccer Association for loss to Martinique (http://blogs.thescore.com/counterattack/2013/07/10/rollins-dont-blame-the-current-canadian-soccer-association-for-loss-to-martinique/)

[argolio]

"Say, Pardon me, but can you help out a fellow American who's down on his luck?"Hit the road!!!

[T-Bone]

http://concacaf.datafactory.la/escudos/289.png vs. http://concacaf.datafactory.la/escudos/475.png

CONCACAF Gold Cup: Group A Match #8
Thursday, July 11, 2013. 11:00pm EDT.
CenturyLink Field. Seattle, WA.

TV: Sportsnet World

[mchesher03]

even with mexico sending their B team - this one is going to get ugly.

[T-Bone]

Miller: Canada 'out of ideas' in Gold Cup exit (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4206/gold-cup/2013/07/14/4118002/miller-canada-out-of-ideas-in-gold-cup-exit?ICID=OP)

[ArgoRavi]

An inability to score has been a problem for decades. As solid as Canada's performance was in the '86 World Cup, they couldn't score then either.

[294life]

the day the national soccer team allows Saputo, DeSantis and other Montreal based managers to have some input in the team they might actually get somewhere but shucks, darn, that damn british pride wot wot.

[T-Bone]

The start of the EPL season is around the corner and it will be broadcast on NBC Sports in the US:


http://youtu.be/6KeG_i8CWE8

[Will]

The Bart Andrus satire video!

[Rocket]

It's international day for soccer with most teams playing exhibition games today! Why is Canada not playing today? When the new mangement came in not to long ago they expressed to the people that they would be playing every time that any dates were possible such as today! We the fans need to let mangement know that this is not right! What are they waiting for?

[T-Bone]

It's international day for soccer with most teams playing exhibition games today! Why is Canada not playing today? When the new mangement came in not to long ago they expressed to the people that they would be playing every time that any dates were possible such as today! We the fans need to let mangement know that this is not right! What are they waiting for?
Here you go (http://www.canadasoccer.com/forms/csa_contact-f170).

[ArgoZ]

Gareth Bale has been bought by Real Madrid for 86 million pounds. He will be paid 300 000 pounds a week! When I see stuff like this, I can not believe people do not like the CFL more. Pro athletes paid normal salaries makes you want to support the league. So many problems in the world, even in Spain and they are paying a soccer player that much a week. I am getting so turned off of pro sports lately. My Labour Day rant.

[T-Bone]

Gareth Bale has been bought by Real Madrid for 86 million pounds. He will be paid 300 000 pounds a week! When I see stuff like this, I can not believe people do not like the CFL more. Pro athletes paid normal salaries makes you want to support the league. So many problems in the world, even in Spain and they are paying a soccer player that much a week. I am getting so turned off of pro sports lately. My Labour Day rant.
You can argue that fans are the ones that are paying his salary. They are paying money to go to the games and buy his jersey. The owners obviously feel he is worth it as they are also in the business to make money, otherwise they wouldn't put out that kind of money. So many problems in the world and people are wasting their money on sports. They should be putting towards charity. Using salary as a reason to like one league over another is a weak argument in my opinion. To each their own. Enjoy what you love and let others do the same. My Labour Day counter rant.

[ArgoZ]

I find it depressing that on a day where we celebrate the working man, there is a football player, who is not even considered the best, signing a deal for around $500 000 CDN a week! A WEEK! Most of us are barely making ends meet, including the fans that support that league.

[T-Bone]

I find it depressing that on a day where we celebrate the working man, there is a football player, who is not even considered the best, signing a deal for around $500 000 CDN a week! A WEEK! Most of us are barely making ends meet, including the fans that support that league.If you were in the position to make that kind of money you wouldn't take it? Also the fans choose to spend their money on games and merchandise, no one is forcing them.

[1argoholic]

Now here's a guy who thinks like me. ArgoZ you're bang on. I can't relate to these guys making way too much for playing games. Sick for sure!

[T-Bone]

Now here's a guy who thinks like me. ArgoZ you're bang on. I can't relate to these guys making way too much for playing games. Sick for sure!
You can relate to $450,000 for 20 days work? I'm in the wrong line of work.

[matchuk]

You can relate to $450,000 for 20 days work? I'm in the wrong line of work.

damn, same here ....where do i sign up?

[Mulder]

Now here's a guy who thinks like me. ArgoZ you're bang on. I can't relate to these guys making way too much for playing games. Sick for sure!


You can relate to $450,000 for 20 days work? I'm in the wrong line of work.

:confused:

[1argoholic]

The salary of a top CFL player is more relatable to me. Not many making $400 thou a year. Most are getting by and need jobs in the off season. The CFL is like NLL in many ways. Guys play for the love of the game. Obviously if your the guy making millions a year than all the power to you but hopefully you are giving back rather than just adding to your car, house, bling etc collections.

[T-Bone]

The salary of a top CFL player is more relatable to me. Not many making $400 thou a year. Most are getting by and need jobs in the off season. The CFL is like NLL in many ways. Guys play for the love of the game. Obviously if your the guy making millions a year than all the power to you but hopefully you are giving back rather than just adding to your car, house, bling etc collections.Personally for me what a player is making does not affect my love of the game. I love soccer and I have come to love CFL football. Yesterday's Edmonton vs. Calgary game was one of the best sporting events I've seen. How do you know if Gareth Bale loves the beautiful game or not? I would wager he does and has probably sacrificed much of his life dedicating it to practice. I also hope he gives back but ultimately that is his choice. I'm curious how come you and ArgoZ don't enjoy MLS more since the player salaries are comparable to the CFL and therefore more "relatable".

[ArgoZ]

Personally for me what a player is making does not affect my love of the game. I love soccer and I have come to love CFL football. Yesterday's Edmonton vs. Calgary game was one of the best sporting events I've seen. How do you know if Gareth Bale loves the beautiful game or not? I would wager he does and has probably sacrificed much of his life dedicating it to practice. I also hope he gives back but ultimately that is his choice. I'm curious how come you and ArgoZ don't enjoy MLS more since the player salaries are comparable to the CFL and therefore more "relatable".

I like MLS. I even yelled "Go TFC" last Argo game when I saw you in the washroom! LOL. It is tough following TFC. They have been so mismanaged over the last few years, making it really hard to get excited about the team.

[T-Bone]

I like MLS. I even yelled "Go TFC" last Argo game when I saw you in the washroom! LOL. It is tough following TFC. They have been so mismanaged over the last few years, making it really hard to get excited about the team.
My apologies. I knew it was someone from the board but I didn't know who. I can't argue with you there that TFC has been hard on supporters due to the mismanagement, it has been tough. I'm still curious though why 1argoholic does not like MLS more since you said:


I can not believe people do not like the CFL more. Pro athletes paid normal salaries makes you want to support the league.And 1argoholic agreed with you. Or are player's salaries not really that big a factor as to why someone likes one sport or another.

[1argoholic]

I've watched the odd World Cup game over the years but I just don't care much for soccer, basketball or baseball at this point.

[T-Bone]

World Cup 2026 to Canada? Why not? (http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4172/canada/2013/10/11/4325123/rudi-schuller-world-cup-2026-to-canada-why-not?ICID=HP_FA_4)

[Will]

If it spurs Soccer Canada into action...

[ArgoRavi]

This is a much better idea than trying to host a Summer Olympics. Canada did well with the under-21 (was that what it was?) tournament a few years ago - even Ottawa in their decrepit stadium sold out their games - so there is no doubt in my mind that a regular World Cup would be a huge success.

[T-Bone]

(was that what it was?)
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup)

[argolio]

The only chance is a co-bid with the U.S. A solo bid is a complete pipe-dream.

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>CONFIRMED: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23canMNT&amp;src=hash">#canMNT</a> v Czech Rep on Friday 15 Nov 11 ET/8 PT can be watched live on Sportsnet One, and so will CANvSVN <a href="http://t.co/VFZLO8VYzu">http://t.co/VFZLO8VYzu</a></p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/statuses/400366252960796672">November 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Link to Live webcast presentation of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CanadaSoccer&amp;src=hash">#CanadaSoccer</a> Strategic Plan
<a href="http://t.co/HpbXsz9BBc">http://t.co/HpbXsz9BBc</a> <a href="http://t.co/y78ldkn1x0">pic.twitter.com/y78ldkn1x0</a></p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/statuses/426371476011233280">January 23, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Update: Canadian Soccer Association presents strategic priorities for 2014-2018 (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canadian-soccer-association-presents-strategic-priorities-for-2014-2018-p155825)

[ArgoRavi]

It looks like Canada may be bidding to host the World Cup in a few years: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/canadian-soccer-association-to-bid-for-2026-world-cup/article16465245/

It is interesting how such a bid would make use of the new CFL stadiums that are popping up. I wonder if CFL fans in some of these cities will stage a protest about wanting "their" stadiums to remain "Canadian football-only" facilities. ;)

[Mulder]

Sounds about right, and if Canada happens to win the bid, the soccer people will probably say since soccer was hosted in the stadium's it's "their stadiums"

Think of the riots afterwards too when the CFL team moves back in, "They we built , reno'd for soccer! Keep CFL Out of XXX field!!"

[LLB997]

Not a hope In hell. Imagine the season starting 2 months late and the Grey Cup being pushed into January all to grow the game of soccer in Canada. If the CFL has any self respect , and any authority of use of stadiums, I imagine they would have to be against this. Anyhow, doesn't FIFA require any host nation have a domestic league? It was WC94 that led to the creation of the MLS to begin with. A Cohosting thing with the Usa may work but then again the Usa could pull it off by themselves easily so why would the want/need Canada as a partner?

[294life]

Wouldn't be much of an issue in Montreal. Both our stadiums can easily accomodate the 'other' football.

[Ron]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XviR7esUvo

[D-Gap-Willie]

Meanwhile in Brasil, they are warming up for the World Cup. In Recife, which will be the site of 4 WC matches, fans tore toilet bowls out of the washrooms and threw them down on rival fans, killing one of them. I don't think I want to be in Brasil for the WC.

http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1807916/brazilian-fan-killed-thrown-toilet-bowl-recife?cc=4716

[T-Bone]

I don't think I want to be in Brasil for the WC (http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1807916/brazilian-fan-killed-thrown-toilet-bowl-recife?cc=4716).
I hear you. I don't think I want to be in Vancouver for the GC (http://www.calgarysun.com/2011/11/26/stamps-fan-beaten-up-in-vancouver). I also refuse to go to McMahon Stadium for a CFL game (http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2009/09/27/11146611-sun.html).

[argofandave]

For all you soccer fans out there, I was in Value Village in Brampton yesterday (Queen St. & West Dr.) and they were selling brand new flex hats from Euro2012 for $3.99 each. They had ones from England, Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Poland, and other countries and had about a dozen for each team. The hats are located right by the men's t-shirts.

[1argoholic]

I remember both of those bad news CFL stories. Plenty of crap around and I as well have had issues with stupid so called Lion fans. Tools everywhere but it won't stop me from heading to a game. You just have to watch Vancouver news to know how so called laid back BC isn't so much.

[T-Bone]

I remember both of those bad news CFL stories. Plenty of crap around and I as well have had issues with stupid so called Lion fans. Tools everywhere but it won't stop me from heading to a game. You just have to watch Vancouver news to know how so called laid back BC isn't so much.
My response was sarcastic. The unfortunate reality is, bad things can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

Back on topic:

World Cup starts tomorrow with Brazil vs. Croatia at 4:00pm EDT (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html).

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We know who <a href="https://twitter.com/YungYuri">@YungYuri</a> is rooting for in this years <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WorldCup&amp;src=hash">#WorldCup</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Brazil&amp;src=hash">#Brazil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Argos&amp;src=hash">#Argos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CFL&amp;src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="http://t.co/Wf1p9Ey9LY">pic.twitter.com/Wf1p9Ey9LY</a></p>&mdash; Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/statuses/477116552740106240">June 12, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[argonaut11xx]

ONLY 1 OSCAR ...handed out in game 1...

Croatia was winning 1-nothing, and a player from Brasil (acts like a girl)...fakes being shot by a bazooka...(while in the crease)

And of course the very afraid looking referee, calls a penalty shot(kick)....wow....

Brasil should have won regardless...but that act by the brasil player, was a joke, ...

I suggest that all soccer players must "bath" in the magic spray (that aerosol stuff that can make a fatally injured soccer player jump off a stretcher and be ready to play)...before each game...

Sadly, im no fan, BUT, im in a POOL, and thats the only reason im remotely interested...(Hmmm..isnt there another scenario like this in Toronto)

why dont they use that MAGIC spray in other sports?...

[T-Bone]

ONLY 1 OSCAR ...handed out in game 1...

Croatia was winning 1-nothing, and a player from Brasil (acts like a girl)...fakes being shot by a bazooka...(while in the crease)

And of course the very afraid looking referee, calls a penalty shot(kick)....wow....

Brasil should have won regardless...but that act by the brasil player, was a joke, ...
Brazil tied the game in the 29th minute and the penalty goal was in the 71st making it 2-1. Fred's dive in the box was bullshit but from the refs angle it looked like he was pulled down. The ref made the call right away and did not look "very afraid." Brazil's third goal was legitimate which is good because it would have sucked if it ended at 2-1 and it should have been a 1-1 draw.

[argonaut11xx]

Hey T-Bone...

just my take..but that Japanese ref ran like he was scared for his life, and finally was surrounded by the croatians, when he made the call....

and again...looked like a dive.....

I like watching and learning about the sport,

[T-Bone]

Hey T-Bone...

just my take..but that Japanese ref ran like he was scared for his life, and finally was surrounded by the croatians, when he made the call....
Brazil vs. Croatia: Highlights (http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/soccer/brazil2014/video/1242434)

http://images.smh.com.au/2014/06/13/5507189/1402619154478.jpg-620x349.jpg



and again...looked like a dive.....

I like watching and learning about the sport,
It was a dive that's why I said it was bullshit. I'm not a fan of diving and I don't think many are. In fact I own this t-shirt:
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0384/1397/products/divers-are-wankers-shirt-1001_zps0b15c8fb_grande.jpeg?v=1395952888
Unfortunately I can understand why Nishimura awarded it because of the angle he saw it from. It's easy to see when you have the advantage of multiple TV angles and replay.

[ArgoZ]

Diving in soccer has become more of a strategy or manipulation of the rules to benefit oneself. The payoff is just so strong, that it encourages it. Penalties are freebies, but any free kick around the box is high percentage with a world class specialist on every national team. Getting the opposition red carded is even more of an advantage gained. When stakes are so high, humans resort to anything. It is like pass interference in football. A vet in pre-season doesn't care, but during the Grey Cup, he alleges that he's interfered on every pass he doesn't catch. The only solution, which is years away, would be replay. Refs could red card a diver and rule on a replay. It will be most interesting how the CFL fairs with their pass interference replays this year.

[argonaut11xx]

Diving in soccer has become more of a strategy or manipulation of the rules to benefit oneself. The payoff is just so strong, that it encourages it. Penalties are freebies, but any free kick around the box is high percentage with a world class specialist on every national team. Getting the opposition red carded is even more of an advantage gained. When stakes are so high, humans resort to anything. It is like pass interference in football. A vet in pre-season doesn't care, but during the Grey Cup, he alleges that he's interfered on every pass he doesn't catch. The only solution, which is years away, would be replay. Refs could red card a diver and rule on a replay. It will be most interesting how the CFL fairs with their pass interference replays this year.

hahahahaha....REPLAY???....in soccer?...

NEVER ever going to happen, they are still in the stone-age, and haven't even clued in that an official timekeeper, and a "scoreclock"...would make more sense (and be more fair) than having the referee "time" the games on his wristwatch. The "extra time" is a joke, and should be done properly and accurately.
So the idea of replay...maybe in another 500 years or so....

[ArgoZ]

hahahahaha....REPLAY???....in soccer?...

NEVER ever going to happen, they are still in the stone-age, and haven't even clued in that an official timekeeper, and a "scoreclock"...would make more sense (and be more fair) than having the referee "time" the games on his wristwatch. The "extra time" is a joke, and should be done properly and accurately.
So the idea of replay...maybe in another 500 years or so....

At international events, it's only a matter of time before we see some kind of replay. Goal line technology has been introduced, so I wouldn't say never, but we are in agreement that it is "years away". Soccer is such a world wide sport, that it is a challenge to change any rules and have the whole world follow. It is important to keep it simple for many nations.

We also do not want to get too technical with time and have 3+ hour games. It flows and works well as is. The game has more important issues when played at the highest level, than time keeping. I often ponder if off-side technology would work, because that is quickly becoming an issue as seen in the Mexico game today.

[1argoholic]

Trying to watch a bit of World Cup but every time I see some suck roll around like he's been shot it pisses me off. I grew up playing hockey with the mentality that you NEVER want to show that you're hurt. I never wanted a guy to have the satisfaction of knowing that his massive hit actually hurt. So to watch this circus is painful. Hondurous (however it's spelled) were either rolling around or taking cheap shots. Still difficult to believe with how many kids have grown up in Canada as first generation Canadians who's parents moved from massive soccer playing nations and that we still can't field a decent team. I guess it's the luck of the draw and we have to get through the States and Mexico to name a few.

[ArgoRavi]

Trying to watch a bit of World Cup but every time I see some suck roll around like he's been shot it pisses me off. I grew up playing hockey with the mentality that you NEVER want to show that you're hurt. I never wanted a guy to have the satisfaction of knowing that his massive hit actually hurt. So to watch this circus is painful. Hondurous (however it's spelled) were either rolling around or taking cheap shots. Still difficult to believe with how many kids have grown up in Canada as first generation Canadians who's parents moved from massive soccer playing nations and that we still can't field a decent team. I guess it's the luck of the draw and we have to get through the States and Mexico to name a few.

I wonder whether we wouldn't be better off having our own domestic pro league rather than latching onto the Americans' leagues. Have the three Canadian MLS franchises made much of a difference in the development of Canadian soccer players? Perhaps it is too early to tell but I haven't seen an effect yet.

[Will]

The effect may take longer than just 5 or 6 years, Ravi, consider the NBA where more Canadians are starting to be drafted. Agreeably, it is only a couple of guys, but it's been almost 20 years since NBA teams came to Canada.

[T-Bone]

I wonder whether we wouldn't be better off having our own domestic pro league rather than latching onto the Americans' leagues. Have the three Canadian MLS franchises made much of a difference in the development of Canadian soccer players? Perhaps it is too early to tell but I haven't seen an effect yet.
I thought this was one of your favorite blogs (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/). You haven't read this yet (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/mls-help-hurt-canada-men-soccer-team-attempts-190942407.html)?

[ArgoRavi]

I thought this was one of your favorite blogs (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/). You haven't read this yet (https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/mls-help-hurt-canada-men-soccer-team-attempts-190942407.html)?

To be honest, I only read that blog sporadically - like every couple of weeks - but my question was certainly addressed there. Thanks for the links. I remember when Canada made it to the '86 World Cup which was very exciting. At that time, we were ahead of the U.S. in soccer and then started the Canadian Soccer League shortly after. Then things went south from there. I would love to see Canada back in the World Cup at some point but I wonder how much longer we will have to wait.

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Reminder that you can watch the Canada v Germany friendly live Wednesday on <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet">@Sportsnet</a> One at 22.00 ET / 19.00 PT.

<a href="http://t.co/8oUMtwgCWn">http://t.co/8oUMtwgCWn</a></p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/statuses/479102701096034304">June 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Proud to introduce the 2014 <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> Home Jersey.
Head to <a href="http://t.co/oPdU9PQG2D">http://t.co/oPdU9PQG2D</a> for more details <a href="http://t.co/0QJrWSJOVN">pic.twitter.com/0QJrWSJOVN</a></p>&mdash; Umbro Canada (@UmbroCanada) <a href="https://twitter.com/UmbroCanada/statuses/479292014345744384">June 18, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash">#USMNT</a> advance to Rd. of 16 at the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup">@FIFAWorldCup</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash">#USA</a> will play 1st Place in Group H. 4 pm ET on July 1 in Salvador! <a href="http://t.co/DVxztpmSLp">pic.twitter.com/DVxztpmSLp</a></p>&mdash; U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ussoccer/statuses/482220557891801090">June 26, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Wobbler]

I don't like to cheer against the host nation, but go Columbia tomorrow! There's a chance that Columbian success will translate into an earlier end to the FARC rebellion (http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2014/06/27/colombias-guerrillas-swapping-bullets-for-footballs/), which would be pretty amazing.

[LLB997]

Booyaaa

472

[Wobbler]

I don't get it.

[argolio]

I don't get it.You don't know who Pele is?

[AngeloV]

You don't know who Pele is?

Didn't he used to play goalie for the Flyers before a tragic accident?

[argolio]

Didn't he used to play goalie for the Flyers before a tragic accident?Wasn't that David Overstreet?

[ArgoRavi]

Hopefully this soccer league will actually help develop Canadian players: http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/index.php?/page/articles.html/_/world-cup-2014/csa-cfl-and-nasl-to-launch-canadian-league-r4701

[Argocister]

I think more along the lines.... hopefully this provides extra revenue for the CFL stadiums.

[gilthethrill]

Hopefully this soccer league will actually help develop Canadian players: http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/index.php?/page/articles.html/_/world-cup-2014/csa-cfl-and-nasl-to-launch-canadian-league-r4701

Does the MLS not develop Canadian players? I thought TFC has an academy, no? T-Bone to the rescue in 3-2-1....

[T-Bone]

Does the MLS not develop Canadian players?
They do.


I thought TFC has an academy, no?
They do.

A domestic national league will benefit even more Canadian players. It will help raise the level of talent in Canada and ultimately strengthen the depth of the national team, all positives. It's a great plan and I hope everything works out.

[ArgoRavi]

Does the MLS not develop Canadian players? I thought TFC has an academy, no? T-Bone to the rescue in 3-2-1....

According to an article that T-Bone pointed me too recently, Canadian players get little playing time with the Canadian MLS franchises. IIRC, American MLS franchises must have a minimum number of American players on their roster but I don't believe that the Canadian franchises need to fulfill such a requirement for Canadian players.

[ArgoGabe22]

According to an article that T-Bone pointed me too recently, Canadian players get little playing time with the Canadian MLS franchises. IIRC, American MLS franchises must have a minimum number of American players on their roster but I don't believe that the Canadian franchises need to fulfill such a requirement for Canadian players.

I believe MLS clubs require a minimum amount of "domestic" players. Americans on CDN teams = domestic while Canadians on American teams = international. Though, Each club must have a minimum of 3 Canadians.

[ArgoRavi]

I believe MLS clubs require a minimum amount of "domestic" players. Americans on CDN teams = domestic while Canadians on American teams = international. Though, Each club must have a minimum of 3 Canadians.

I am assuming that you mean that each club must have a minimum of 3 "domestics" which means that Toronto FC could have three American players and no Canadians and fulfill that requirement. Is that correct?

[ArgoGabe22]

I am assuming that you mean that each club must have a minimum of 3 "domestics" which means that Toronto FC could have three American players and no Canadians and fulfill that requirement. Is that correct?

Not quite. For 2013, MLS teams are only allowed 8 internationals meaning all other players must be domestic. Canadian teams must have a minimum of 3 Canadians as their domestics. American teams consider Canadians as internationals, while Americans on Canadian teams are considered domestic. I believe Montreal just has 3, while TFC at one point had 8 Canadians on their roster. From a developmental point of view, the MLS is not doing enough in developing Canadians.

[T-Bone]

If anyone is interested in attending tomorrows friendly match Canada vs. Jamaica at BMO Field at 7:30pm and would like tickets in the supporters section (south endzone) please contact me via PM. Tickets are $20 each.

[T-Bone]

For the patriots:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>Watch Canada vs Colombia live on Sportsnet World &amp; streamed live on sportsne.ca at 9pm ET. <a href="http://t.co/6EpSlbrYy4">http://t.co/6EpSlbrYy4</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canMNT?src=hash">#canMNT</a></p>&mdash; John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro/status/522005472799641601">October 14, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Full time: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canMNT?src=hash">#canMNT</a> 0-1 COL.</p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/status/522226247209091074">October 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[ArgoRavi]

Ah, the glory days of Canadian soccer: http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/episodes/from-the-archives/against-all-odds

Interesting to see the type of turf that was being played on back in those days as well.

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canWNT?src=hash">#canWNT</a> is coming to Tim Hortons Field to play England on May 29 at 7pm. DETAILS &gt; <a href="http://t.co/LHeTArB7vt">http://t.co/LHeTArB7vt</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ticats?src=hash">#Ticats</a> <a href="http://t.co/jf6zi23yFD">pic.twitter.com/jf6zi23yFD</a></p>&mdash; Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ticats/status/578206835766902784">March 18, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The journey to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2018WC?src=hash">#2018WC</a> begins! Tix for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canMNT?src=hash">#canMNT</a> vs. Dominica here on 6/16 on sale 4/17 at 10AM: <a href="http://t.co/jmNMWrlGCO">http://t.co/jmNMWrlGCO</a> <a href="http://t.co/Svlr1GbI7x">pic.twitter.com/Svlr1GbI7x</a></p>&mdash; BMO Field (@BMOField) <a href="https://twitter.com/BMOField/status/588078346422116352">April 14, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tickets are ON SALE NOW for the 2015 <a href="https://twitter.com/CONCACAF">@CONCACAF</a> Gold Cup here at BMO Field on July 14! Get &#39;em while they&#39;re hot: <a href="http://t.co/OcPORh4kv7">http://t.co/OcPORh4kv7</a></p>&mdash; BMO Field (@BMOField) <a href="https://twitter.com/BMOField/status/578556734458875904">March 19, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[T-Bone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canWNT?src=hash">#canWNT</a> think you got what it takes? Some <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> players have a challenge for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanadaRED?src=hash">#CanadaRED</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAN?src=hash">#CAN</a>
<a href="https://t.co/pV5IrEd2ey">https://t.co/pV5IrEd2ey</a></p>&mdash; CFL (@CFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/606525045486186496">June 4, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/45yards?src=hash">#45yards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrairieGirl?src=hash">#PrairieGirl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders">@sskroughriders</a> <a href="http://t.co/wapO713Ubq">pic.twitter.com/wapO713Ubq</a></p>&mdash; Kaylyn Kyle (@KaylynKyle) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaylynKyle/status/606671788223832064">June 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yesterday, we received a challenge from <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@CFL</a>... Today, we counter! Do YOU have what it takes?! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canWNT?src=hash">#canWNT</a> will show you
<a href="https://t.co/4eDJmAFBWy">https://t.co/4eDJmAFBWy</a></p>&mdash; Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN/status/606837411935481856">June 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who said we can&#39;t play footy! ⚽ We accept your &quot;crossbar challenge&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN">@CanadaSoccerEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/canWNT?src=hash">#canWNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CanadaRED?src=hash">#CanadaRED</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/O33xMSWcTJ">https://t.co/O33xMSWcTJ</a></p>&mdash; CFL (@CFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/606917018550337538">June 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[jerrym]

Canada wins Group A at Women’s World Cup with draw vs. Netherlands
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/canada-wins-group-a-at-womens-world-cup-with-draw-vs-netherlands/article24973519/

[jerrym]

Josee Belanger scored to give Canada a 1-0 win over Switzerland.

http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/story/2015-06-21/womens-world-cup-2015-canada-switzerland-elimination-round-quarterfinals

The growing popularity of women's soccer in Canada is attested to by the fact that the 2015 Women's World Cup has already set an attendance record.



Attendance for the Women's World Cup will be at least 1.25 million, according to organizers.That number, which denoted tickets already sold as of Saturday evening for past and future games, beats the tournament record of 1,194,221 set at USA 1999. That edition featured 16 teams and 32 games, as opposed to 24 teams and 52 games for the Canadian version.




http://www.canada.com/sports/Women+World+sets+attendance+record+organizers/11154505/story.html

[Mookie Fan]

People have complained more than once about how TSN often doesn't give the CFL priority by showing other sports on some of its channels. Most recently there have been complaints that horse racing I believe was shown instead of the CFL on 2 of its 5 channels. There have been many other complaints including TSN's reliance on American programming. Of course the business practices of Rogers are seen to be much worse.

TSN is owned by Bell as is CTV, an over-the-air network that has focused on mostly popular high-budget American shows for a very long time. That's their business for the most part, other than their newscasts. Many of the games of the current FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 have been shown on CTV, some aired on TSN and some were on both CTV and TSN. All of Team Canada's games aired on CTV and many of the other most important games did as well. The final on Sunday is available on CTV.

However, the game for third place between England and Germany on Saturday was only shown on TSN. That's the second last game of the tournament, the last game in Edmonton (where the tournament opened) and the members of the winning team get bronze medals on Sunday. That would be like CBC not showing the bronze medal game of Olympic hockey on its network. In this case, people without pay TV were out of luck, unless they wanted and were able to watch the game somewhere else. People in the Toronto area could watch the game over-the-air on Buffalo's FOX 29-WUTV if they could get the signal. Funny how FOX did show the game on the main FOX network and not simply on FOX Sports 1, even though the U.S. was not in the game for third place. There seemed to be a level of respect for that important stage of the tournament, although the main FOX network had fewer games than CTV overall. FOX also featured an hour-long pre-game show for the third place game, versus the 30 minutes for the games that have been shown on CTV. FOX also has an even longer 2 hour pre-game show before the final between the USA and Japan later today.

It was pointed out in the media that this 2015 Women's World Cup of Soccer is the first time Canada has hosted a nationwide international sporting event--EVER. This is because events like the Olympics are usually held in one host city and other areas or regions outside that city--in the same general area geographically, or at least usually not that far away. Also, other FIFA events held in Canada have been smaller and not nationwide.

This was a huge event, held across this country, for the first time, possibly not again for a very long time. It lasts about one full month. It features the women's version of the most popular sport worldwide, the world's most global game. It had storylines that do interest a Canadian audience, and games shown on CTV have had much better ratings than the admittedly still decent ratings the games shown exclusively on TSN have receieved.

What did CTV show between 4PM and 6PM yesterday instead of the third place game? The Ellen Degeneres Show and two episodes of Hot In Cleveland. I'm guessing they were probably not even new episodes, they were probably re-runs. That's really important.

The ratings would have been pretty big had the game been on CTV--and I think had Canada been in that game they would have had to change plans and shown it on CTV, as they did I believe by deciding to show the USA-Germany semi-final in Montreal on CTV after not initially planning to. The TV schedule changed on the internet for that game.

When CBC carries the Men's World Cup of Soccer, they usually have more of the games on their network. I realize they don't own a sports pay TV channel as Bell does and they have more of a Canadian and international focus because of their mandate. I also realize that money is what the Bell Corporation is after, but the prgramming decisions can be a bit obscene at times.

I'm just saying...

[Mookie Fan]

Rather than editing and lengthening my already long above post, I should add that the biggest complaint by CFL fans obviously is that Bell does not show any CFL games on CTV. They don't even show any of the CFL playoffs or the Grey Cup on CTV. Contrast this with the fact that you can watch many NFL regular season games and the NFL playoffs on CTV. It is interesting that the decision was made to show many Women's World Cup games on CTV, but the CFL, which happens every year and has a huge following in Canada and is a uniquely Canadian game, is never shown on CTV. CFL games draw big ratings like the World Cup Games. Bell apparently feels they can get away with this with their CFL coverage, but didn't feel they could get away with it for a short-term, high ratings international event featuring Canada and other national teams in the World Cup. I guess that's the best we can expect from a huge Canadian corporation and a big Canadian TV channel.

The federal government is similar. It sometimes supports funding stadiums for short-term international events, but is reticent to do so for professional sports teams--even CFL teams which mean more to Canada long-term.

It should also be mentioned that the Rogers-owned media has barely talked about this Women's World Cup of Soccer, as Bell has the rights and is showing the games on CTV and TSN, competitors of Rogers and their Sportsnet channels. I know Bob McCown hates soccer, but it is a big event happening in Canada. I'm not sure he has mentioned the World Cup at all. Maybe someone else has heard him mention it, but I haven't. There is very little true journalism on Rogers-owned sports stations anymore.

Although men's professional teams are more popular than women's teams, it is interesting that in terms of support for the national teams in Canada, the women's team often draws bigger crowds and has a bigger following in some circles than the men's team--at least since the London Olympics. The Globe and Mail noted that the women's team became cult heroes after their controversial loss to the USA and bronze medal win against France at those 2012 London Olympics. The men's team cannot sell out BMO Field for a World Cup Qualifier. The women's team has sold out stadiums of that size and the three biggest crowds for any national team in Canada, men's or women's, were three near sellouts in this current World Cup, 1 at the very large Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and 2 at the also large BC Place in Vancouver. Obviously the fact that our women's team is ranked 8th in the world and have had more success may have a lot to do with it. The men's team is ranked 109th I believe.

Some women's sports like women's tennis have been popular for a long time. Women's soccer hasn't had a large following for as long, but it is growing and developing at a rapid rate, far surpassing the growth in women's hockey due to a number of factors. It's pretty hard to compete with the growth of a global game that is cheap to play and has higher participation rates--even in Canada. What soccer lacks in Canada, however, is an effective system for developing a larger number of elite level players. This has been discussed a lot in the media recently.

[ArgoRavi]

Rather than editing and lengthening my already long above post, I should add that the biggest complaint by CFL fans obviously is that Bell does not show any CFL games on CTV. They don't even show any of the CFL playoffs or the Grey Cup on CTV. Contrast this with the fact that you can watch many NFL regular season games and the NFL playoffs on CTV. It is interesting that the decision was made to show many Women's World Cup games on CTV, but the CFL, which happens every year and has a huge following in Canada and is a uniquely Canadian game, is never shown on CTV. CFL games draw big ratings like the World Cup Games. Bell apparently feels they can get away with this with their CFL coverage, but didn't feel they could get away with it for a short-term, high ratings international event featuring Canada and other national teams in the World Cup. I guess that's the best we can expect from a huge Canadian corporation and a big Canadian TV channel.

The federal government is similar. It sometimes supports funding stadiums for short-term international events, but is reticent to do so for professional sports teams--even CFL teams which mean more to Canada long-term.

It should also be mentioned that the Rogers-owned media has barely talked about this Women's World Cup of Soccer, as Bell has the rights and is showing the games on CTV and TSN, competitors of Rogers and their Sportsnet channels. I know Bob McCown hates soccer, but it is a big event happening in Canada. I'm not sure he has mentioned the World Cup at all. Maybe someone else has heard him mention it, but I haven't. There is very little true journalism on Rogers-owned sports stations anymore.

Although men's professional teams are more popular than women's teams, it is interesting that in terms of support for the national teams in Canada, the women's team often draws bigger crowds and has a bigger following in some circles than the men's team--at least since the London Olympics. The Globe and Mail noted that the women's team became cult heroes after their controversial loss to the USA and bronze medal win against France at those 2012 London Olympics. The men's team cannot sell out BMO Field for a World Cup Qualifier. The women's team has sold out stadiums of that size and the three biggest crowds for any national team in Canada, men's or women's, were three near sellouts in this current World Cup, 1 at the very large Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and 2 at the also large BC Place in Vancouver. Obviously the fact that our women's team is ranked 8th in the world and have had more success may have a lot to do with it. The men's team is ranked 109th I believe.

Some women's sports like women's tennis have been popular for a long time. Women's soccer hasn't had a large following for as long, but it is growing and developing at a rapid rate, far surpassing the growth in women's hockey due to a number of factors. It's pretty hard to compete with the growth of a global game that is cheap to play and has higher participation rates--even in Canada. What soccer lacks in Canada, however, is an effective system for developing a larger number of elite level players. This has been discussed a lot in the media recently.

Maybe WTSN - anyone remember that? - would work better today than it did when introduced back in '01. Interesting that Rogers has barely mentioned the Women's World Cup of Soccer. From what I can tell today, only two sports exists in the world of Rogers - hockey and Rogers Blue Jays baseball. Bell/TSN will still devote significant time to events that they don't air but Rogers is a complete joke.

[D-Gap-Willie]

Was just looking at the recent result for the men's National Soccer Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Canada played against Jamaica and lost 1-0. They more than lost. They were embarrassed judging by the margin of shots and corners that Jamaica had. The only place that Canada excelled was by beating the Jamaicans 3-0 in yellow cards. Do these people have no pride when they play for their country, or are they truly that bad. Personally as a Canadian, by choice, I am not only ashamed of this terrible performance but also outraged that we are spending good tax dollars in support of such efforts.