Euro Champs, Copa, MLS and...Brexit

A crowded calendar and other obligations will again necessitate a superficial survey of recent events.  Five matches alone today of interest to this blog, with a highly entertaining Poland-Switzerland match providing the backdrop to this post.


Implications of Brexit on EPL

Having had difficulties with work permits for foreign players in Football Manager, I wondered if there would be some repercussions.  Turns out, there very well could be.   This article from SkySports suggests massive implications while this less pessimistic analysis at ESPNFC notes that the problems could be largely handled with existing loopholes or modified regulations.

Two other things.  If you were already inclined to root against England for political reasons (looking at you Mackenzie), this will certainly add to the list.  Especially after you read that many who voted for the exit had no idea what the European Union is.  Second, it is very likely that Michael B and I could pay significantly less for our upcoming trip to England to take in some matches.


No Copa for You

The 0-4 defeat to Argentina could hardly come as a surprise for the USMNT.  Besides missing key players due to suspension and playing a top-ranked opponent, the US displayed a horrible first touch and misplayed too many passes.  In the other semi, Chile handled Colombia 2-0 in a convincing manner; to be fair, the match was really only 45 minutes, with the second half delayed by over two hours waiting out heavy rains that left the pitch close to unplayable.

US get a replay with Colombia in the consolation match tonight.  Will be interested to see how, um, interested the US are in playing this match.  It is a chance to show that they have progressed throughout the tournament.


Euro Knockouts

Happy to see Iceland advance.  They are paired with England in the first knockout stage.  Many interesting match ups in the games on Saturday-Sunday-Monday; actually looks like all offer a reason to watch.  DVR gonna be smoking again.  Belgium (yeah they were a nasty colonial power but at least they didn't vote to leave the EU) have a tough contest against Hungary; they bring their B-game one more time and they'll be out.  Somehow Germany, Spain, England and France all ended up on the same side of the bracket.


Alberg Hat Trick

Roland Alberg - Paul Rudderow/Philly Soccer Page

So Roland Alberg seemed to provide the answer to who would replace Vincent Noguiera.  He recorded a hat trick in the Union's 4-3 win over Chicago.  He was directly responsible for the fourth goal as well, as his shot hit the post, then ricocheted off a Fire defender into the goal, which goes down as a own goal.  Need to address the defensive breakdowns but the way the Union responded with...


Holy crap, when you get a chance, check out Shaqiri's incredible bicycle kick to bring Switzerland level with Poland in the 82nd minute!!!

...four unanswered goals and were seemingly in control of the match was impressive.  Ilsinho was also excellent in his first start in a while.  Curtin's substitutions also seemed to work well.  Hope they keep it up tonight against Vancouver.


There's so much to watch, all I can say is pace yourselves.