Games which are big now but didn't use to be

[Garrick]

Aberdeen Vs Celtic has become the showpiece match in Scotland now

Two decent sides who play relatively nice looking football

It's getting a bit more heated amongst the fan bases though now that The Dons are actually starting to challenge Celtic's domestic dominance

It won't last I think, but good on Aberdeen for actually giving Celtic a legitmate rival for the title this season

I don't follow Scottish footie at all, but that is much tighter than I assumed it was.

Also I had no idea that Rangers are in no way a lock to get promoted next year.

Good on ya, Scottish football clubs. Make them squirm.

I think it's my job to say this one:

vs

 

[badger blue]

I don't follow Scottish footie at all, but that is much tighter than I assumed it was.

Also I had no idea that Rangers are in no way a lock to get promoted next year.

Good on ya, Scottish football clubs. Make them squirm.

I think it's my job to say this one:

vs

Probably one of the few matches where even if the Mexicans play away they'll feel like it's a home match with so many Mexicans living in the states.

 

[Garrick]

Probably one of the few matches where even if the Mexicans play away they'll feel like it's a home match with so many Mexicans living in the states.

That's why all of the matches of import are always played in Columbus, small Mexican population there.

 

[badger blue]

That's why all of the matches of import are always played in Columbus, small Mexican population there.

Interesting, didn't notice that. A mate of mine lives in Chicago, so started to go to the fires matches, they played a "friendly" against a Mexican club a couple of years ago and he said there was murder all over the gaff. Absolute mayhem outside and around the ground, he said them Mexicans were mental bas tards!!!

 

[Khalekan]

Probably one of the few matches where even if the Mexicans play away they'll feel like it's a home match with so many Mexicans living in the states.

I have been to USA/Mexico games in SoCal.

Deffo a home game for the Mexicans,

 

[Garrick]

Interesting, didn't notice that. A mate of mine lives in Chicago, so started to go to the fires matches, they played a "friendly" against a Mexican club a couple of years ago and he said there was murder all over the gaff. Absolute mayhem outside and around the ground, he said them Mexicans were mental bas tards!!!

I have been to USA/Mexico games in SoCal.

Deffo a home game for the Mexicans,

Yeah Chicago has a HUGE Mexican population. As do most places in the Southwest, as well as Texas and Southern California.

You could get a more friendly US atmosphere in a few other places, Seattle, Portland, Twin Cities, Denver, but the reason a lot of the US/Mexico friendlies end up occurring in Texas or SoCal is that they're guaranteed to sell out.

As for why Columbus in particular, they were home to the MLS's first "soccer specific stadium" so at one point it was the best stadium for footie in the country. At this point, winning 2-0 against Mexico in Ohio has become a tradition. It even has a named, Dos a Cero, and here's a brief primer:

If the United States came of age in the '90s by qualifying for all three World Cups played -- hosting one, to boot -- and establishing itself as a globally relevant team for the first time in the modern era, the 2000s marked the America's rise to CONCACAF dominance and worldwide recognition.

If one thing most defined the decade, and the ascent of the U.S. as a soccer country, it was their rivalry with Mexico that could best be described with three words.

Dos. A. Cero.

Whenever the USA met Mexico at home in World Cup qualifying, they went to Columbus, Ohio, home of the country's first soccer-specific stadium. Each time, the USA came away winners. When Team USMNT met Mexico in the biggest match the two countries have ever played in a near 80-year rivalry -- the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup -- they came away winners. And, all four times, it came by the same score: 2-0.

http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013...ico-2014-world-cup-qualifying-preview-history

 

[Deleted member 28206]

Manchester City v Chelsea.

Not so very long ago this fixture was more likely to be a relegation clash than a title decider....

Chelsea v anyone

 

[ilikecheese]

Yeah Chicago has a HUGE Mexican population. As do most places in the Southwest, as well as Texas and Southern California.

You could get a more friendly US atmosphere in a few other places, Seattle, Portland, Twin Cities, Denver, but the reason a lot of the US/Mexico friendlies end up occurring in Texas or SoCal is that they're guaranteed to sell out.

As for why Columbus in particular, they were home to the MLS's first "soccer specific stadium" so at one point it was the best stadium for footie in the country. At this point, winning 2-0 against Mexico in Ohio has become a tradition. It even has a named, Dos a Cero, and here's a brief primer:



http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013...ico-2014-world-cup-qualifying-preview-history

If the pitch wasn't artificial I reckon Seattle would get more games.

 

[49ers]

If Abu Dhabi group get their way, New York city fc vs anybody will become a big game. Especially if they start using their suss loan system between their clubs.

There's a rumour they're trying to buy a stake in AC Milan. I'd love to know how City and Milan can both compete in Europe with one owner...off topic, sorry.