11/05/24
August 29, 2005
U.S.A. soccer fans (and anyone else who's interested) unite!: ESPN has deemed the WCQ game on Saturday, September 3, between the U.S. and Mexico unworthy of LIVE coverage. It's college football's opening weekend, which understandably knocks us off ESPN or ESPN2, but this game should at least be shown LIVE on The Classic...the winner earns guaranteed qualification to Germany '06.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY to soccer at 11:16 AM - 60 comments
You can watch it live online via matchcast. Not sure if that has anything to do with the broadcast dealy. Irregardless, I think ESPN should be ashamed of itself.
posted by garfield at 11:55 AM on August 29, 2005
dealy, delay. whatever.
posted by garfield at 11:57 AM on August 29, 2005
I am not even a soccer fan and I think that is ridiculous. A game that big I probablay would have even caught part of.
posted by jojomfd1 at 11:59 AM on August 29, 2005
That's what I'm talking about, jojomfd1. I know...being such a huge soccer fan myself...that I am in no way objective about this matter. I also sensed that this may be a game even non-soccer people would want to watch. We have to get the word out...it's the only way we even have a chance of getting ESPN's attention. garfield, matchcast is a good feature on the U.S. Soccer website but I think this ESPN thing addresses a much bigger issue of soccer's status as a sport here in the U.S.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:15 PM on August 29, 2005
While you are at it, why not try contacting Comcast to gauge their reaction? Why couldn't they pick up the feed and show it on OLN?
posted by NoMich at 12:16 PM on August 29, 2005
Fox Soccer Channel would definitely be interested in airing this.
posted by trox at 12:22 PM on August 29, 2005
Fox Soccer Channel fucking rocks!!!
posted by StarFucker at 12:31 PM on August 29, 2005
I received this reply from Oliver Tse, webmaster at soccertv.com: I am checking with SUM (Soccer United Marketing) and FOX right now to see whether SUM has moved the game to FOX Soccer Channel. No confirmation yet. SUM is the rightsholder and SUM can choose to put the game on FOX Soccer Channel if SUM can't get a live time slot on one of the ESPN Networks. ESPN never listed the game for ESPN Classic in its database. The ESPN2 telecast was removed from the ESPN database on Monday morning. We'll see how it all shakes out but at least it's getting attention.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:36 PM on August 29, 2005
I believe that Comcast contributed to ESPN not showing this on Classic.
posted by bperk at 12:39 PM on August 29, 2005
I'm gobsmacked Tex. There'd be an uproar here if even England friendlies weren't available live let alone vital World Cup Qualifiers. We get virtually all the U21 games live too. I wish you success in your immediate campaign. And in the long run hope that the scales are soon lifted from the eyes of your many countrymen unable to appreciate the beautiful game.
posted by squealy at 12:40 PM on August 29, 2005
Life would be a lot better for so many of us if we could just get a Eurosport feed. Kill them all...
posted by lil_brown_bat at 01:00 PM on August 29, 2005
Multiple sources told SI.com the switch from ESPN Classic is the result of a dispute between ESPN and Time Warner Cable (which shares the same corporate parent as SI.com) over the broadcast of live sporting events on ESPN Classic. (In the past year ESPN Classic has started showing live broadcasts of several sports, including college football and college basketball.) But Time Warner Cable says that dispute has been settled. "We did have discussions with ESPN about ESPN Classic and the fact they were outside of their contract by showing live events for their Classic sports network," says Keith Cocozza, a spokesperson for Time Warner Cable. "But we have since sat down with them and agreed to allow a certain number of live sporting events per week on ESPN Classic." (ESPN officials refused to comment, saying the network does not address affiliate discussions publicly.) bperk: that article mentions nothing about Comcast. Rather, it was Time Warner, one of Comcast's competitors, that spiked showing the game live on ESPN Classic. But that article makes it sound like a deal is imminent to allow ESPN Classic to show the game live. I wonder what Time Warner's beef was in the first place? Ad revenue differences between showing classic college poker games and showing live sporting events, maybe?
posted by NoMich at 01:16 PM on August 29, 2005
Kill them all... who is"all"
posted by daddisamm at 01:20 PM on August 29, 2005
them
posted by garfield at 01:22 PM on August 29, 2005
Minnesotans. Oh, and bperk, I hope I don't come off as being pushy with you. I was "just sayin'" as the kids are so fond of saying these days.
posted by NoMich at 01:22 PM on August 29, 2005
They're showing it on Telemundo? That's all I need to know. I'll be watching this match. Man, if they had their heads screwed on right, they would've put this on ABC live. C'mon! It's the freakin' World Cup! Thanks for the heads up. Viva Telemundo!
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:09 PM on August 29, 2005
I prefer Telemundo's broadcast in a language I don't understand to ESPN's soccer commentary in my native tongue. Don't you mute those idiots anyway?
posted by Hugh Janus at 02:36 PM on August 29, 2005
Telemundo always scans the stands for hot babes... Its much better in my opinion.
posted by StarFucker at 02:41 PM on August 29, 2005
hater
posted by kokaku at 03:18 PM on August 29, 2005
Plus Telemundo usually sit their cameras further back and don't do as much with closeups in the middle of action. It's like ESPN thinks soccer is college football or something.
posted by Hugh Janus at 03:21 PM on August 29, 2005
Whats that smell?!
posted by StarFucker at 03:40 PM on August 29, 2005
Smells like a troll that can't even spell it's own username. Sits on the ladder below the queers, addicts, and pushers.
posted by Hugh Janus at 03:45 PM on August 29, 2005
ugh its
posted by Hugh Janus at 03:45 PM on August 29, 2005
Someone shitting on the thread.
posted by lilnemo at 03:46 PM on August 29, 2005
If we could just ignore the predictable Yank noob stumbling drunkenly into each football thread and decrying the absolute game I'm sure we'd all be happier. I wonder what their motivation is? Fear? Jealousy? Stupidity? Isolationism? Microscopic genitalia? I guess we'll never know.
posted by squealy at 04:29 PM on August 29, 2005
Its definitely fear...
posted by StarFucker at 04:36 PM on August 29, 2005
Damn, and I'd put my money on the genitalia. Thus obscuring them.
posted by squealy at 04:40 PM on August 29, 2005
Someone open a window and turn on a fan. I'll get the little poopy shovel. The hype around this match is strong enough even I'll probably watch it.
posted by chicobangs at 04:43 PM on August 29, 2005
that article mentions nothing about Comcast. Rather, it was Time Warner, one of Comcast's competitors, that spiked showing the game live on ESPN Classic. Sorry, all of those cable companies blend into one in my head.
posted by bperk at 05:04 PM on August 29, 2005
And in the long run hope that the scales are soon lifted from the eyes of your many countrymen unable to appreciate the beautiful game. Huh?
posted by panteeze at 05:57 PM on August 29, 2005
I hope yanks realise soccer ROOLS! Clearer now?
posted by squealy at 06:30 PM on August 29, 2005
Hugh, welcome to the SpoFi. Love the nickname. btw, Telemundo rulez. You and the fooker are spot on with the ESPN criticisms (dumb commentators, bad angles) and the Telemundo kudos (hot babes! And more passionate commentary ... even if I can barely understand a word). I would totally mute ESPN (or Fox) if one of the US commentators were on. 430 PST Saturday. I'm there, or I'm square.
posted by worldcup2002 at 06:59 PM on August 29, 2005
I would totally mute ESPN (or Fox) if one of the US commentators were on ...which brings up another point: Who's commentators are worse, ESPN's or FSC's? I vote FSC's....my god...those guys....well...I'll just leave it there. I also like Telemundo's coverage...camera angles...babes in 'kerchief tops...but of course, this thread is about a much bigger issue and you, my fellow soccer mates, need no further explanation. It's high time we take our squeaky wheel act to the masses! The hype around this match is strong enough even I'll probably watch it. Add to that when we play in Mexico post-September 11th, their fans chant O-SA-MA! O-SA-MA! and at least one Mexican player has threatened to kill the mother of one U.S. player during the game that knocked tri-colores out of the last World Cup...well, it's difficult to overstate the hatred between these 2 teams.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 07:16 PM on August 29, 2005
Texan: thanks for the quick rival history between the two teams. Definitely adds to the seriousness of the upcoming match.
posted by NoMich at 08:17 PM on August 29, 2005
I'm Mexican and I Know How Important this match is to both countries i just don't see how Most Americans Don't Support thier National Team it is Diffinatly One of The Best Teams in The World. To Me This Match is a Win Win Situation If Mexico wins Great cuz well I'm Mexican but if the US wins its great cuz maybe more Americans will see that Their Team is The Real Deal and Hopefully Soccer Will Grow in This Country. I now Have Two Teams I'm Rooting For in The World Cup Mexico and USA. Go CONCACAF lol
posted by J3sUsD at 09:53 PM on August 29, 2005
Fox needs to get this contract away from DisneySPN if the executives are serious about making a longterm financial success with FSC. They need to be the outlet for all major soccer matches on US TV and that probably means showing some MLS matches on Fox the broadcast network too. Just saying. As for babecasting, well, remember the game is being played in CT not MC or RdJ.
posted by billsaysthis at 11:30 PM on August 29, 2005
J3sUsD, welcome. You're the kind of Mexican fan I was tailgating with before the US-Mexico "friendly" in Houston in '03. We had a geat time with the Mexican fans before the game...one guy made a 5 foot tall ice sculpture of the eagle in the Mexican flag...fucking awesome. Anyway, the way the fans treated each other at that game was, from my perspective, representative of race relations in Houston. Everyone got along well and there was never even a hint of problems. billy...it's actually being played in OH, which I suppose drops the babe-o-meter another notch or 2. Good catch, btw...and you're right in what you say about Fox. As we say in Texas...this is no time to be half-steppin'!
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 11:24 AM on August 30, 2005
What happens if you press your "SAP" button during a telemundo broadcast? It's the least they can do for us monolinguistsals.
posted by usfbull at 12:20 PM on August 30, 2005
sorry, meant "monolinguists". Not sure what just happened there.
posted by usfbull at 12:21 PM on August 30, 2005
Nothing happens usfbull...believe me...I've tried...and tried...and tried. About 5 weeks ago, an announcement came out that there would be an English-speaking announcer on the second audio program but alas, it was an error in information. What Univision (I believe) actually provided was closed captioning in English, which I find to be a rather useless feature...I'm trying watch a game, not read about it.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 12:27 PM on August 30, 2005
Well, I'm glad I'll NEVER have this problem.
posted by Drallig9399 at 12:33 PM on August 30, 2005
One of my dreams, which will doubtless go forever unrequited, is to have a SAP channel with only an audio feed to the arena or stadium. Just hear the cheering, the players, the ball. If you have a good view to a soccer game (like Telemundo usually provides) you don't need to hear what those idiots have to say to understand what's going on. (The Telemundo commentators may not be idiots; I was referring to the ESPN/Fox guys, all blather and sound effects). Can you imagine what this would mean for other sports? I mean, the NCAA tourney without Dickie V? What a dream. And thanks, WC'02. Glad to be here and I like it, too.
posted by Hugh Janus at 01:06 PM on August 30, 2005
You're right about that, Hugh. I never thought of it that way but for chrissakes...do we really need every minute detail explained...or worse yet...really lame attempts at humor? It would be fantastic to hear just what you wrote, Hugh...that would truly give the viewer a "live" experience...and think of how much money the networks would save on "talent."
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 01:50 PM on August 30, 2005
But then who would say, "This corner kick brought to you by Depends! When you need to crap whenever, Depends on us!"
posted by StarFucker at 01:57 PM on August 30, 2005
Don't get me wrong, I think commentary's a good thing in some sports, or for folks who are new to a game. For example, John Madden is a lot better and quicker at figuring out what's going on during MNF than I am (or most any of us are). But all ESPN's Tommy Smythe ever has to say during a soccer match is how much worse the game is than it should be, and how exciting it is to see the "bulge in the old onion bag." I wish someone would stick a pin in that old windbag, for sure. Even Eric Wynalda outshines the broadcasters ESPN turns to for soccer. Eric-fucking-Wynalda! I mean, c'mon! It isn't just soccer, either. Most sports would be more fun without having to listen to loudmouths with whom I fundamentally disagree.
posted by Hugh Janus at 02:29 PM on August 30, 2005
Now I have to disagree on Wynalda...I think he bites it big time. Tommy Smythe...yeah...he's gotta go...and I think he should take Wynalda with him. JP Dellecamera is the only one at ESPN who I think is worth a damn. I've also heard Bob Ley call games in the past and thought he did a decent job. ESPN announce a couple of weeks ago that they will broadcast all 64 World Cup games in hi-def. It may be time for me to finally break down and get a new set. You're all invited to come over and watch the games! Who's bringing the beer?!? Beer for breakfast...ahhhhhh....
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 02:43 PM on August 30, 2005
I think it's a race to the bottom of the pile. Wynalda is a pompous ass, but sometimes shows a little knowledge about the game. That zombie Dellacamera shouts at me so much I tune him out. With him, every play is more exciting than the last. Too breathless by half. He makes my skin crawl. Some of the guys who've coached are pretty good in the booth, but most of the time they make me wonder how they could have coached for so many years without ever understanding the game. I'll bring special breakfast beer. Queens represent -- the L to the I to the C up in this.
posted by Hugh Janus at 02:54 PM on August 30, 2005
Borough of, that is.
posted by Hugh Janus at 03:43 PM on August 30, 2005
Maybe I just need better contact lenses but the value to me is the play by play guys, not the color commentary. Since I have trouble identifying players at game speed, having the pbp giving names as the ball moves and such is very helpful. I like the guys FSC use on EPL matches though I can't remember names.
posted by billsaysthis at 03:44 PM on August 30, 2005
Borough of, that is. Good thing you cleared that up, Hugh, 'cuz with your handle I was wondering. LOL
posted by billsaysthis at 03:45 PM on August 30, 2005
Queens represent -- the L to the I to the C up in this. I guess I haven't lived in NY long enough because you totally lost me Hugh J., which of course just confirms my SpoFi user name. Love the beer link...Malt Liquor all around...but if any of ya get to fightin', we're gonna take it outside! And...there's THIS: US Soccer dot com now lists ESPN Classic as showing the game! You'll notice it doesn't say whether it's live or not and the ESPN Classic online schedule is still showing something different in the 7:30 to 9:30 ET timelsot. Also, the soccer tv bible at soccer tv dot com hasn't verified, so it's still wait and see. However, perhaps progress has been made and who knows for sure whether we've played a part or not... Crap announcers or not...we may actually get to see the biggest American soccer game this year...en Ingles!
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 05:17 PM on August 30, 2005
I sure hope that the announcement, which I saw in the national team's RSS feed, is correct because I will be throwing sharp things if the game is not on ESPNC, or another English language channel, live.
posted by billsaysthis at 11:38 PM on August 30, 2005
C'mon, I like the Spanish commentary, even if I don't understand most of it. Gives me a chance to learn the language! A la cancha! Golaso! What the hell do those mean? I don't know! But they sound like fun! I'm just grateful I get to see live matches with just my lousy basic poorman's cable service. Telemundo doing the last World Cup matches live, now that was class. And I could make out the player names they were calling, even if I couldn't see the players too clearly, so that was just fine. I mean, you didn't need to tell me that that was Seamonkey flapping at Ronaldinho's freekick, know what I mean? But yeah, some real crowd noise and English (like, from England) commentators would be the old-school OG experience for me, know what I mean. I think, in England, they have Interactive TV that lets you choose camera angles _live_ as well as choose commentary between, get this, pro commentators, stadium audio (crowd cheers, no talk), or crazy-ass totally-biased fan commentators. Some one in ol' Blighty want to confirm this? Post a link, wot?
posted by worldcup2002 at 11:50 PM on August 30, 2005
OT, sorta - I just enjoyed my first evening with several soccer cable channels in my new place, and it was great. German and Spanish league games with English (with the accent and everything) commentary. Bloody fantastic!
posted by garfield at 07:44 AM on August 31, 2005
We have confirmation from the soccer tv bible...the game will be shown LIVE on ESPN Classic beginning at 7:25 ET.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 09:45 AM on August 31, 2005
anyone know any good bars in NYC that would likely carry the game? (besides Nevada Smith's)
posted by goddam at 11:23 AM on August 31, 2005
goddam, check this out. I've been to The Parlour and Red Lion and preferred the Parlour, which is also home to the Celtic Supporter's Club. The food there is really good and there's more space. I know Nathan Hale's was in the running for best soccer pub in America a couple of years ago, but I've never been. Good luck and enjoy the game! Brian McBride will be on ESPNews Hotlist tomorrow at 4:00 pm ET.
posted by Texan_lost_in_NY at 06:54 PM on August 31, 2005
thanks!
posted by goddam at 08:09 PM on August 31, 2005
Who here doesn't love Ray Hudsons' broadcasts. He gives the same vibe as the Mexican announcers but in English (somewhat in English anyway).
posted by Ricardo at 11:05 AM on September 01, 2005
Here's what I propose: We start an email campaign to let ESPN know this is unacceptable treatment for such a big game. We're playing our biggest rival with the winner earning automatic World Cup qualification, yet ESPN has decided to show the game at 2:30 a.m. ET as opposed to live at 7:30 p.m. ET. If you have an interest in this issue, please contact ESPN and let them know we want the game LIVE on an English-speaking channel (Telemundo is showing it live). I would also ask that you contact the U.S. Soccer Federation to let them know they should have never agreed to the kind of arrangement they have with ESPN. Also, contact your local NBC and/or CBS affiliate as well as the major news channels, CNN, Fox News at viewer services @ fox news dot com, and MSNBC at viewer services @ msnbc dot com. Also, please pass this info along to anyone you know who may be interested in voicing their opinion on this issue. Come on soccer fans. It's time to let ESPN know this is unacceptable and we're not going to take it anymore. Hey squealy, could you imagine ever having to do this in England?