FanNation | SoccerNation's Blog | The SoccerNation Report- 7/21/08

Sorry for the long break but it kind of gets old to me and you. Let's see what is on the table for discussion today.

All-Star Game Gets Spicy- Today's huge bit of news is about the MLS All-Star Game. In a friendly match between the Columbus Crew and the EPL-side West Ham, a fight broke out. The fight was said to have started when 30 or so West Ham supporters entered the corner of the stadium near the "Very Loyal, Crazy People" Crew supporters. The Crew fans then directed chants at the Hammers' fans and the fight broke out between the two factions. I think this can only help the game. If the two teams don't like each other it will be good, but then again I don't want to see anyone hurt. So, maybe this will just grab some attention and some people will watch the game. Will more watch because of this? Probably not, but we can wish. The game ended 3-1 for the Hammers. The All-Star Game is Thursday on ESPN at 7:00.

Germany, You're Really Ticking Me Off- Wolfgang Niersbach, the general secretary of the German Football Association has told FIFA that Germany football clubs don't have to release players for the Olympics. He states that under no age or circumstance that the clubs have to release the players. FIFA has long required teams to release players that are under the age of 23 to the Olympics. Werder Bremen's Diego and Schalke's Rafinha (both Brazilian players) are the two men that are currently being fought over. Both of these men seem to want to play for Brazil and I think that is what matters. The Olympics are supposed to be a showcase of talent for the whole world to see. If a player wants to play, let him play. These countries have a lot riding on this. This is the team of the future and I want to know when these clubs are going to realize it. As much as the clubs may hate it, they are always going to be second-fiddle to the World Cup. And the Olympics are one of those things that are designed to help people prepare for their future. FIFA has to go ahead and make a definitive rule on this. I don't think they can push the age down anymore without really watering the Olympics tourney down. We don't want to see 18 or 19 year-old playing, we want to see the future of the sport. FIFA get this right and please put any club that is not going to follow the rules in its place. I'm sick and tired of the corrupt nature of this game and this is only making things worse. FIFA, here's another problem that you have to fix. I hope it doesn't have to wait like a lot of them do.

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Transfer News- The big news coming in today is about Claude Makelele. Makelele, the world's best D-Mid in my opinion, is now PSG-bound. This is huge news for a club that hasn't been very good the last couple of years. The 35-year old should help take the responsibility of the other Midfielders. And maybe he can help Paris Saint-Germain get to the Champions League again. It's unlikely, but just maybe.

Today's Games- Well, if you live outside of the United States you should go to FIFA.com and watch the FIFA Beach World Cup streaming right now. The action is fast and entertaining and you should check it out. If you live in the US, sorry nothing for you today.

fifaBeachSoccerWorldCup08

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July 21, 2008 10:20 AM ET

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Losing Makalele would hurt Chelsea a lot if it wasn't for Essien. Essien will fill Claude's role with ease.

J. HOVA: PLAYS NO…

Brooklyn, NY

Total Comments (12997)

July 21, 2008 11:00 AM ET

I personally hate the German FA for not allowing their national team to be fully operational in Football Manager.

Reddogg99

Fairfax, VA

Total Comments (281)

July 21, 2008 12:10 PM ET

Chelsea has adequate cover for Makele - they're stacked in midfield right now - and the guy is 35 years old playing a very physically demanding position. So I see this as a move that makes sense for everyone.

And I understand clubs not wanting to release players for a minor tournament like the Olympics. And let's face it, the Olympics are a minor tournament in the soccer world. Look at Messi - he's got to be available for all of Barca's La Liga games, the later stages of the Copa Del Rey, the entire Champions League calendar, the Copa America, World Cup Qualifying , and now the Olympiics, too? In the end, the players wear down and become useless for large stretches of time to their team - look at Kaka last year. It was clear he just needed a rest, but wound up having to play well below his standard because all of his teams needed him..

j11forbes

Denver , CO

Total Comments (386)

July 21, 2008 12:26 PM ET

- Understanding the clubs' point of view is one thing but FIFA has to establish crystal clear rules about this so that the issue doesnt come up every 4 years.

I think having to release the U-23 but not the over 23 is a good one. Teams sure pay for the players, but players want to play for their country.

The Olympics could easily become a more significant tournament if stars like Messi and other young guns were released.

How would the German FA react if they actually had good players abroad?

- With Bosingwa added, Essien doesnt have to fill the RB position anymore and can finally play in midfield. PSG got Makelele and Giuly. Thuram failed the medical.

ctsubasa

Philadelphia , PA

Total Comments (560)

July 21, 2008 03:14 PM ET

Maybe PSG will actually improve w/ makelele.

Is there video footage of the brawl between Crew and Hammer fans?

Big Chaco

Los Angeles , CA

Total Comments (1179)

July 21, 2008 03:41 PM ET

Since Thuram didnt pass the medical test, PSG new President is making a push for William Gallas.

Anybody disappointed by Makelele not coming to the MLS?

July 21, 2008 03:57 PM ET

MLS wouldn't give him a huge deal since he's not the type of player that will gnerate ticket or jersey sales. He'd be a big impact on the field, but not in a marketable type way. Better to spend the money elsewhere. For Makelele, it's better to help PSG rebuild and put a big stamp on his career.