Open Letter to Sepp Blatter - re: USA World Cup Bids

Dear Mr. Sepp Blatter, FIFA President,

The USA seems pretty determined to host the World Cup again in either 2018 or 2022. On the surface, the bid is strong. They have tremendous state-of-the-art stadiums used for the NFL, which can easily be adapted to accommodate the world's game. Even the President of the United States has written a letter to you, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, in support of the American bid. That is a little misleading since I'm sure the leader of every country in the bid process has written a letter to Blatter stating their support for their country's bid. Why wouldn't they? It's an economic benefit for them to do so. Let us also not forget that the President is also supporting the Chicago Olympic bid, so it seems doubtful that the World Cup is that much more special to him or is just a political tool.

So while the bid seems strong in terms of support of "big names" and stadia, here's what I don't like: it's going to be difficult and expensive for the average fan. While some (the wealthy) will be able to travel around to a variety of matches, most will be stuck in one city not able to travel to multiple locations, see the country and enjoy its atmosphere.

As an example of the potential difficulties, let's look at the Gold Cup that will played in the U.S. this summer and the travel schedule of a fan who wants to follow the Canadian National Team. Starting with a game in Carson, California, he or she must then trek to Columbus, Ohio, and follow that up with a trip to Miami, Florida. That's not the easiest travel schedule for a team, let alone a fan trying to follow his favourite country. Some countries have an easier time: from Oakland to Houston to Phoenix. But hardly easy travel. In most cases, flights are required and flights are not cheap.

The second problematic thing is the fact that, despite being one of the biggest events in the World, in the United States will the majority of people care if England plays Brazil, or Italy faces Germany? Or will they rather care who wins in a face-off between the Red Sox and Yankees? Baseball is full swing during the tournament and will take away some of the lustre of the World Cup. The NBA and NHL playoffs will also be coming to an end. We also have your major golf tournaments taking place on the PGA tour. Too many distractions from other sports for my liking in a time when only one should be king.

I've been to three World Cups since 1994, missing only the '98 tournament in France. I've seen league games in England, Italy and Germany. The worst World Cup I actually took in was USA '94. In Europe, and even during the Japan and Korea games of 2002, the ease of travel to any game is amazing, even if it's across the country. Also, the best part of the latter World Cups of Germany and Japan/Korea and the league games in Europe is the atmosphere. Not only are the stadiums buzzing with energy and excitement, but the entire country is alive with talk and excitement of the World Cup. It gripped those countries. This wasn't the case in the US in 1994 and I don't think it will be the case in either 2018 or 2022.

I would love to see the World Cup in England in 2018 and Australia in 2022. If one of those two countries don't win, I would like to see Spain/Portugal or Belgium/Netherlands, although Belgium needs to step up their performances to show that taking away two European spots is the way to go.

So here's my open letter to you, Mr. FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Keep the World Cup out of Americans hands. Let's keep it in Europe, or Asia or Australia.

Of course, I know you will screw me and the USA will probably get one of the two available World Cups in 2018 or 2022, and I'll be bitter for an entire month.

Signed,
Tyler Green

Throwing dangerous items at games... DON'T DO IT!!

Okay, so this isn't really to rag on Toronto FC or Vancouver Canucks fans, but fans in general. Game 5, Vancouver Canucks are losing and the game is just about over, except idiot fans have decided that they need to throw bottles onto the ice. It really just made it worse and there is no need for that whatsoever. Someone in a row lower than yours may get hit with that water bottle. Would you like your five year old kid to get hit with a water bottle or projectile? I didn't think so.

Part two, Vancouver Whitecaps playing against Toronto FC at BMO Field. If you watched the game on Sportsnet and have it PVR'd, taped whatever, go to Martin Nash's corner kick at 91:40 to 91:41 on the Sportsnet clock. Nash taking the corner kick and here comes a full (what appears to be Gatorade) bottle thrown at Nash, hitting the signs behind him and exploding. Nash got the spray. TFC fans alway wonder why they get blamed for being "Hooligans", these are the reasons why. I know it's not the U Sector or the Red Batch Boys, but idiots in one section, give everyone a bad reputation.

So again, this isn't to TFC fans or Canucks fans. It's fans in general, don't throw stuff that can be dangerous. I'm all for throwing streamers and waving flags and having a general loud and good time. But think when you decide it's time to throw an object that may hurt your 5 year old son, daughter, nephew, niece. If you wouldn't throw something that might harm them, then don't throw it at anyone else.

POLICE SAY SWEDISH SOCCER HOOLIGANS BRAWL ON AIRPLANE

STOCKHOLM -- Soccer hooligans assaulted a passenger and threatened flight attendants on a flight following a Swedish league match, police said Monday.

The trouble started late Sunday on a Malmo Aviation plane with about 100 passengers, including fans of Stockholm club Djurgarden who were returning to the capital after an away match in Malmo in southern Sweden, police and airline officials said.

Stockholm police spokesman Mats Eriksson said five people involved in a brawl were removed from the plane before takeoff but the ruckus continued during the flight and seven others were questioned by police upon arrival at Stockholm's Bromma airport.

Eriksson said the fans were noisy, "didn't sit down, didn't fasten their seat belts and didn't follow directions from the attendants."

One passenger who tried to stop the hooligans was assaulted and taken to hospital after arrival but was not seriously injured, Malmo Aviation spokesman Olof Lofgren said.

He said the pilot was considering interrupting the flight and landing at another airport, but decided to continue to Bromma where police were waiting.

"We transport football supporters a lot, but I've never experienced anything like this," Lofgren said. "It's deplorable that adults act this way."

Eriksson said no one was arrested but some of those involved could face charges of assault, disturbing public order and even air sabotage, a crime punishable by up to four years in prison.

Like many European countries, Sweden is struggling to deal with fan violence in connection with soccer matches. Buses and trains are often vandalized as rowdy fans travel across the country.

"It's absolutely more serious when it happens on a plane than a train or a bus," Eriksson said.

Djurgarden lost Sunday's match against Malmo FF 2-1. Djurgarden issued a statement expressing regret about the plane incidents but added it had very little information on what had happened.

*** on a side note, Malmo is a great city. The Mello Yello bar is a must. If Anneli or Jenni still work there, try and get a table in their section ***

Obama wants the World Cup

You probably have read on a variety of sites about U.S. president Barack Obama's support of soccer and for a USA World Cup bid. Now the video, courtesy of Univision (via U.S. Soccer):

Barcelona makes Qwest to conquer Seattle

Seattle Sounders FC announced today that they will play an exhibition match against Barcelona FC on Xvox Pitch at Qwest Field on Wednesday, August 5th. Kick-off set for 7:30pm.

Tickets for the match go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 15th at 10am.

This is the second major friendly of the year for Seattle, who will be facing Chelsea FC in July.

Elsewhere, Barcelona will face the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl on Aug. 1st.

Barcelona is playing a third friendly in the United States. Details of that match have yet to be released.

In an alternate universe, perhaps Miami would have been the logical 3rd match choice after being named an MLS franchise to build some excitement for the 2011 season and the selling of season ticket packages. Ofcourse we all know what happened with that.


Here's the official Seattle release:

Sounders FC to Host FC Barcelona in August at Qwest Field

RENTON, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders FC will play FC Barcelona on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field on Wednesday, August 5, the team announced today. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (PT).

Sounders FC season ticket holders have received tickets to the game as part of their 18-match package, which also includes Chelsea and the MLS Cup.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 15th at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at www.soundersfc.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

“We have stayed consistent with our commitment to provide value and an unparalleled fan experience for our season ticket holders who have supported us from day one,” said majority owner Joe Roth. “We are thrilled to include matches featuring two of the world’s most popular teams in Chelsea and FC Barcelona and the MLS Cup.”

FC Barcelona, whose heralded roster of international superstars currently includes Lionel Messi, Rafa Marquez, Xavi, Carles Puyol, Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta – who scored the goal that propelled Barca into the Champion’s League Final – will look to secure its third UEFA Champions League crown on Wednesday, May 27 against Manchester United, at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

Three Lions Cafe Review

First impressions are great, but if they don't measure up after a second visit and you likely won't get a third. That was my attitude when I stepped into a new "gastropub" in Broadway called the Three Lions Cafe. Built around the idea that there actually is good authentic English cuisine that you can enjoy eating while watching some English Premier League soccer on the television. The interior is a bit of a contrast, dark wood interior, lighter wood tables (locally purchased) with a few dark walls, but floor to ceiling windows on two sides of Three Lions brightens it up nicely. pictures of classic soccer moment also adorn the walls to give it that soccer feel. A great bar in one corner with a small tv overhead for those bar sitters and a large screen tv on the other side provides the rest of the Cafe with the soccer action they crave.

After the first visit, enjoying a nice local beer and the fish fingers, I along with my co-host Mike Martignago decided that it needed a second visit. The fish fingers were delicious by the way. A nice lightly battered white fish served with chips and three types of tartar sauce. Worth having for a nice light to filling snack on the late afternoon menu.

A second visit for dinner provided the chance to try two dishes, the Bangers and Mash and the Pie and Mash. Both were extremely tasty while at the same time providing that stick to ribs feelings of a terrific meal. The mash was terrific, some of the best I can honestly remember. The pie was terrific, filled with meat and vegetables, it definitely is a must-order. The Bangers were served on a massive flatted yorkshire pudding and gives new meaning to eating your plate clean.

Two visits and a couple positive reviews, so really it was a must to try the Traditional English Breakfast: two eggs (scrambled), two slices of bacon, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans, toast and Lincolnshire sausage. I have to admit, I avoided the beans as I don't enjoy them much. The breakfast was fantastic. Filling and delicious. The best part, not having to make my own breakfast while I watched the match on television.

I have to admit, I have been back many more times and I would suggest the same. It's a fantastic place to head for a beer after work or a full blown meal and definitely a place to watch the game, I can't wait for the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona and watch it at Three Lions.

The owners are Ryan and Simon. Ryan, a Manchester United fan, will be excited about the final. Simon, a Chelsea fan, will probably still be upset about the semi-final game.

Enjoy your experience at Three Lions Cafe and let me know what you think.

Rating: Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 / Food: 4 1/2 out of 5

Vancouver Whitecaps FC @ Toronto FC - prediction

In all honesty, the Whitecaps have yet to really impress me this season. The last win was big and they finally scored, but gave up 2 goals at the same time. Toronto have been playinig well of late and look like they have gotten their early season woes behind them.

On the defensive side, Vancouver have been able to hold their own. They have 2 clean sheets (both at home) and allowed 5 goals in 5 games. The bad part for the 'caps is that they have yet to perform well away from home. 1-1-1 record. Attacking that Vancouver defense is going to be a team that has been able to score and not just from one player (as no one player has really stepped up in that role yet although Guevara is making a case) but from a variety of sources. TFC have scored at least one goal in their last 3 home games and have finally picked up that home form again.

For Toronto, look at their last 3 games as a good indication of what they can do against the 'Caps. Three games, 1 goal allowed, two clean sheets. Attacking that TFC backline will be a Whitecaps forward line who up until last game could barely get on the score sheet. Marlon James changed all that, but he alone won't be able to break down that Reds defense.

In goal, I think both Frei and Nolly receive credit. Either one could steal a game for their team.

I didn't mention midfield, but given the youth of the Whitecaps and the goalscoring threat of Guevara, an edge to TFC.

I think Toronto wants to win this tournament this season, to show that they are the the best in Canada and what league is better.

Toronto wins tonight, 2 - 0.

-TG