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We are 100 days out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
I'm pretty excited. Even though USA is in a group of death if we can make it out we have a good shot of going beyond the first round of elimination. We've got a strong team and a good chance of doing better than any other cup.
Ryanvdonkif altidore is out for the entire cup, can they bring someone else on?
Nope.
I don't think the US will make it that long anyway. The Germans looked unstoppable, and the Portuguese will not play that poorly against the US and Ghanian defense.
Despite this win, the US looked like CRAP on defense. They literally kicked the ball away multiple times and did not control the tempo. If they want to stop Ronaldo, they need to control the play
c-walk69that was terrible.. we did not deserve that win
Not like we were dominated in the knockout round and won on penalties...
I don't think Italy deserved to win in 06... or Portugal against England that same year... But guess what, welcome to the world cup. Both goals were well deserved by the USA, and they capitalized on their best chances in the best way. That's how you win matches.
if you get too hung up on who DESERVED to win you will hate soccer forever. now i do agree that we played piss poorly, but so did ghana. neither team really deserved to win that game...
Bakerpowif you get too hung up on who DESERVED to win you will hate soccer forever. now i do agree that we played piss poorly, but so did ghana. neither team really deserved to win that game...
Screw that, you'll hate SPORTS forever. You think the Patriots deserved to go to the super bowl after the Tuck Rule game? You think the Lakers deserved to go to the Championship in 2002 after what Tim Donaghy claims? What about the Dallas Stars beating Buffalo with Hull's skate in the crease... And don't get me started on the teams that won the world series under the steroid era...
Tons of teams win in unfair ways due to stupid calls or getting away with shit. At least the USA worked for this match. Ghana should have scored 3 perhaps, but it's fair to say that they didn't deserve to win because they didn't put the ball in the back of the net. Nobody was screwed on a bad call like the USA got 4 years ago against Slovenia... This was a well grinded out match by the USA, no matter how ugly this win was, they fought for that and there's no argument against it.
DingoSeanScrew that, you'll hate SPORTS forever. You think the Patriots deserved to go to the super bowl after the Tuck Rule game? You think the Lakers deserved to go to the Championship in 2002 after what Tim Donaghy claims? What about the Dallas Stars beating Buffalo with Hull's skate in the crease... And don't get me started on the teams that won the world series under the steroid era...
Tons of teams win in unfair ways due to stupid calls or getting away with shit. At least the USA worked for this match. Ghana should have scored 3 perhaps, but it's fair to say that they didn't deserve to win because they didn't put the ball in the back of the net. Nobody was screwed on a bad call like the USA got 4 years ago against Slovenia... This was a well grinded out match by the USA, no matter how ugly this win was, they fought for that and there's no argument against it.
Whenever people talk about "deserving to win," I always think of the Tuck Rule.
By the way... probably the best referee'd game of the entire cup. Even when things got a little testy, everything was handled extremely well. Kudos to that crew. No real mistakes or poor fouls called. Both teams refrained from getting into an acting regime and diving, and when there were situations where players fell a little too easily, for the most part, fouls were not awarded in such cases. Bravo.
Germany can destroy us, but they probably wont. What they will probably do is have the group won by the time they play the US, they won't need to play very hard and really push for the 3 pts. So they will start with the starting 11, then make subs, protect players and coast. US will probably lose, but not by a large margin. If we can pull a draw out of the Portugal game, goal differential comes up huge. Were +1 and Portugal is -4.
DingoSeanBy the way... probably the best referee'd game of the entire cup. Even when things got a little testy, everything was handled extremely well. Kudos to that crew. No real mistakes or poor fouls called. Both teams refrained from getting into an acting regime and diving, and when there were situations where players fell a little too easily, for the most part, fouls were not awarded in such cases. Bravo.
i agree, that was also the head refs first ever world cup game. and he handled it like a boss.
.FRY.Portugal should have beat Germany today. Just saying. Germany also got wicked lucky with that pk.
That was one of the more clear penalties in this cup. It wasn't a super hard foul, but the dispossession was certainly a penalty. Just a little too forceful. You can't do that in the box against Die Mannschaft. They've only missed like one penalty ever in the world cup finals.
Portugal lacked form and class. They are not that great, and never REALLY have ever been that great - especially ever since their entire gameplan has changed to revolve around Ronaldo.
2002 was their best year. They are far removed from those days.
.MASSHOLE.Its because we're 'Murica. We are big physical beasts, who cares about skill or finesse We will overpower them all.
Yes, normally, but in this case no. Jozy starts purely for tactical reasons. He can play with his back to goal and hold the ball up and wait for the midfielders to join the attack, which the u.s. needs since they can't control games against the stronger teams in the tournament. Having Clint, who is a finesse player, and Altidore, who is a power player, up top together works better for the u.s. than two finesse players.
division.bellWe won, but it certainly wasn't a strong showing for the US team. We better be ready for the next match.
No, definitely not our best game. I said before the tournament that I'd rather see the u.s. go out and try and play and lose than do something like they did tonight and win, but considering the injuries to Altidore and Besler and having to use two subs by half time, and the fact that Bradley had one of the worst games I've ever seen him play, I'll take the points.
.MASSHOLE.the Portuguese will not play that poorly against the US and Ghanian defense.
Despite this win, the US looked like CRAP on defense. They literally kicked the ball away multiple times and did not control the tempo. If they want to stop Ronaldo, they need to control the play
No, they probably won't, but, as you said, the U.S. didn't play very well, either. There's no reason they can't improve against Portugal and Germany, the same way there's no reason Portugal can't improve when they play the U.S. I doubt Bradley will be as bad again against Portugal or Germany as he was today, and a good Michael Bradley gives the u.s. a much better chance of keeping possession a little more. Of course, not having Altidore to hold the ball up top is going to hurt our chances of keeping possession, but hopefully Klinsmann will stress to Johannsson and Wondo how important it is for them to try and do that and they can fill the roll a little.
Portugal will be better offensively next game, but, unusually for them, they've been leaking goals recently, and not just against Germany. Apart from that, the u.s. midfield matchs up much better in terms of athleticism against the Portuguese midfield than they do against Ghana's, which will also help the u.s. compete better. Moutinho, Meireles, and Veloso aren't exactly speedsters, which will make them a lot easier for Beckerman and Jones to contain, even if they, especially Moutinho, are more skillful than the Ghanaians.
DingoSeanLikely Ghana just was going with youth and speed matchups. They still pressed well without them.
I guess that makes sense.
Russia vs Korea should be a good watch. Japan and Korea are two of my favorite teams to watch. Well disciplined, good ball movement. They play the game "right" if you will in my opinion. Shame they lack the physicality possessed by all the other nations.
WattsYes, normally, but in this case no. Jozy starts purely for tactical reasons. He can play with his back to goal and hold the ball up and wait for the midfielders to join the attack, which the u.s. needs since they can't control games against the stronger teams in the tournament. Having Clint, who is a finesse player, and Altidore, who is a power player, up top together works better for the u.s. than two finesse players.
IMO Jozy is not a very good player in either regard. He is poor at holding up the ball, or when he does, makes poor decisions and off-ball runs, while he honestly has terrible skill. But the US seems to love him. Honestly, I would prefer Johannsson over a Jozy. He is faster and more skilled, and since seemingly the US is not a possession team, counterattacking is our best option.
WattsNo, definitely not our best game. I said before the tournament that I'd rather see the u.s. go out and try and play and lose than do something like they did tonight and win, but considering the injuries to Altidore and Besler and having to use two subs by half time, and the fact that Bradley had one of the worst games I've ever seen him play, I'll take the points.
No, they probably won't, but, as you said, the U.S. didn't play very well, either. There's no reason they can't improve against Portugal and Germany, the same way there's no reason Portugal can't improve when they play the U.S. I doubt Bradley will be as bad again against Portugal or Germany as he was today, and a good Michael Bradley gives the u.s. a much better chance of keeping possession a little more. Of course, not having Altidore to hold the ball up top is going to hurt our chances of keeping possession, but hopefully Klinsmann will stress to Johannsson and Wondo how important it is for them to try and do that and they can fill the roll a little.
Portugal will be better offensively next game, but, unusually for them, they've been leaking goals recently, and not just against Germany. Apart from that, the u.s. midfield matchs up much better in terms of athleticism against the Portuguese midfield than they do against Ghana's, which will also help the u.s. compete better. Moutinho, Meireles, and Veloso aren't exactly speedsters, which will make them a lot easier for Beckerman and Jones to contain, even if they, especially Moutinho, are more skillful than the Ghanaians.
The defense will not improve enough as we have seen over the last few friendlies and last night. There is still no cohesion, and that cannot be fixed in one or two games. This has been my main complaint about Klinsmann, he changed the lineup too often to develop the type of cohesion seen on teams like Germany, Spain, Brazil, Holland, etc. which has resulted in a defense that is unfamiliar with each other. A team like Germany or Portugal will revel in a disorganized defense. If you ask me, Portugal, while they may have been destroyed 4-0, had periods of brilliance that allowed them to exploit the German right side. Damarcus Beasley will have a nightmare of a time with Ronaldo and Nani if he gets no assistance. He looked horrible against Ghana if you ask me. He was a step slow, poor passes, poor control, and just poor decisions in general.
I think while having Bradley play better is integral to the offense, it is not enough. The off the ball movement is poor, and that is the bread and butter needed to confuse a very strong midfield and normally strong Portuguese midfield. If Dempsey and Johannsson do not make good off the ball runs, the Portuguese defense will have a relatively simple time containing the attack.
While the US team may match up better in terms of athleticism, they do not in terms of skill or technical ability. They will need to pressure the Portuguese midfield the entire game or they will dictate the flow of the game. Beckerman and Jones may try to contain the CMs, but the wingers of Nani and Ronaldo are the players who in the end, will dictate how the game is played. The US will either have to adapt a high pressure or counter attacking style of play, because IMO, they are incapable of a possession game against the Portuguese team.
Both Ghana and the US were so poor defensively that Portugal and Germany should wipe the floor with either. Germany will through by the USA game but in all honesty, they could make 11 changes from yesterday's starting 11 and play: Wiedenfeller, Durm, Ginter, Mustafi, Grosskreutz, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Kramer, Draxler, Schurle and Klose and I would still fully expect them to win. They will want to be sure of going through top of the group.
The US could get a draw against portugal but portugal are still easily favorites for second place.
I'm interested to get a first look at Belgium today and see if Brazil can actually play a bit better.
.MASSHOLE.IMO Jozy is not a very good player in either regard. He is poor at holding up the ball, or when he does, makes poor decisions and off-ball runs, while he honestly has terrible skill. But the US seems to love him. Honestly, I would prefer Johannsson over a Jozy. He is faster and more skilled, and since seemingly the US is not a possession team, counterattacking is our best option.
The defense will not improve enough as we have seen over the last few friendlies and last night. There is still no cohesion, and that cannot be fixed in one or two games. This has been my main complaint about Klinsmann, he changed the lineup too often to develop the type of cohesion seen on teams like Germany, Spain, Brazil, Holland, etc. which has resulted in a defense that is unfamiliar with each other. A team like Germany or Portugal will revel in a disorganized defense. If you ask me, Portugal, while they may have been destroyed 4-0, had periods of brilliance that allowed them to exploit the German right side. Damarcus Beasley will have a nightmare of a time with Ronaldo and Nani if he gets no assistance. He looked horrible against Ghana if you ask me. He was a step slow, poor passes, poor control, and just poor decisions in general.
I think while having Bradley play better is integral to the offense, it is not enough. The off the ball movement is poor, and that is the bread and butter needed to confuse a very strong midfield and normally strong Portuguese midfield. If Dempsey and Johannsson do not make good off the ball runs, the Portuguese defense will have a relatively simple time containing the attack.
While the US team may match up better in terms of athleticism, they do not in terms of skill or technical ability. They will need to pressure the Portuguese midfield the entire game or they will dictate the flow of the game. Beckerman and Jones may try to contain the CMs, but the wingers of Nani and Ronaldo are the players who in the end, will dictate how the game is played. The US will either have to adapt a high pressure or counter attacking style of play, because IMO, they are incapable of a possession game against the Portuguese team.
Regardless, Jozy still holds the ball up better than Johannsson does, which I think the u.s. needs more. Him holding up the ball gives a chance for the likes of Beasley, Johnson, and Bedoya to get involved with the counter attacks as opposed to just having the two forwards go at it. Either way the u.s. will still be a counter attacking team against a Portugal or a Germany.
Beasley was bad, and agreed about Klinsmann changing the line-up too much, but I also think Beasley can play better than he did, and don't have much more faith in Portugal drastically improving their offense performance by the 22nd than I do the u.s. becoming a world class defensive team by then.
I'm not saying the u.s. is going to dominate possession against Portugal, I just don't think they'll be as trounced as they were against Ghana. The Portuguese midfielders won't be pressing as hard all game as the Ghanaian midfielders were, so I think it'll be easier for the u.s. to at least get out of the back and put a few passes together than it was against Ghana. I think the key for the u.s. will be Bedoya and Johnson making runs in behind and creating chances that way as they have been the last few games because Ronaldo seems like he isn't going to be very interested in getting back and tracking a run from someone like Johnson, so hopefully it'll create a numbers problem somewhere on the field for Portugal.
It's not going to be easy, obviously, but I am hopeful the u.s. can do the job and get a tie against Portugal, which means all we'd have to do is get beat by less than four against Germany, and hope Portugal doesn't beat Ghana by five.
WattsRegardless, Jozy still holds the ball up better than Johannsson does, which I think the u.s. needs more. Him holding up the ball gives a chance for the likes of Beasley, Johnson, and Bedoya to get involved with the counter attacks as opposed to just having the two forwards go at it. Either way the u.s. will still be a counter attacking team against a Portugal or a Germany.
Beasley was bad, and agreed about Klinsmann changing the line-up too much, but I also think Beasley can play better than he did, and don't have much more faith in Portugal drastically improving their offense performance by the 22nd than I do the u.s. becoming a world class defensive team by then.
I'm not saying the u.s. is going to dominate possession against Portugal, I just don't think they'll be as trounced as they were against Ghana. The Portuguese midfielders won't be pressing as hard all game as the Ghanaian midfielders were, so I think it'll be easier for the u.s. to at least get out of the back and put a few passes together than it was against Ghana. I think the key for the u.s. will be Bedoya and Johnson making runs in behind and creating chances that way as they have been the last few games because Ronaldo seems like he isn't going to be very interested in getting back and tracking a run from someone like Johnson, so hopefully it'll create a numbers problem somewhere on the field for Portugal.
It's not going to be easy, obviously, but I am hopeful the u.s. can do the job and get a tie against Portugal, which means all we'd have to do is get beat by less than four against Germany, and hope Portugal doesn't beat Ghana by five.
Holding up the ball in a counter-attacking play? Do I sense an oxymoron there or is it just me?
Jozy holds up the ball but rarely attempts to turn when afforded space and take up that space. It is a huge gripe of mine when a player is afforded space but rarely takes it. Honestly, I think Jozy would hinder us against Portugal because of his style. He holds up the ball, and this would allow the outside backs of Portugal to come back and regain position. A player like Johannsson allows a faster attack, with the likes of Dempsey, Beasley, and sometimes Bradley to accompany him. We are very unlikely to score off a possession style of play against a team the caliber of Portugal.
Trounced by Ghana? I think it was more ineptitude of the midfield than pressure by Ghana. Numerous times they cleared out of their final third right back up the middle to a Ghanian player who just had to trap the ball and launch another attack. The US CMs did a horrid job of spreading the field and relieving pressure off of the CBs. Half the time they played kick-ball, launching a ball out of the area when they were afford time which we both seem to agree upon.
You also agree with my statement about the lack of runs by the US outside backs and wingers. I think this is KEY if the US wants to score. They are not skilled enough to waltz down the center of the pitch and launch a CM-oriented attack a la Spain, Brazil, Argentina, or Germany. Rather, they will have to take a page out of Holland and Italy's book and attack down the wings and launch balls in. I think however, we will see a different Ronaldo. He realizes this is a do or die game, and the last time that was the case, he changed how the Ballon d'Or voting happened.
.MASSHOLE.Trounced by Ghana? I think it was more ineptitude of the midfield than pressure by Ghana. Numerous times they cleared out of their final third right back up the middle to a Ghanian player who just had to trap the ball and launch another attack. The US CMs did a horrid job of spreading the field and relieving pressure off of the CBs. Half the time they played kick-ball, launching a ball out of the area when they were afford time which we both seem to agree upon.
You also agree with my statement about the lack of runs by the US outside backs and wingers. I think this is KEY if the US wants to score. They are not skilled enough to waltz down the center of the pitch and launch a CM-oriented attack a la Spain, Brazil, Argentina, or Germany. Rather, they will have to take a page out of Holland and Italy's book and attack down the wings and launch balls in. I think however, we will see a different Ronaldo. He realizes this is a do or die game, and the last time that was the case, he changed how the Ballon d'Or voting happened.
Trounced in the sense that the u.s. was hardly able to get the ball out of their own half. Partly due to the way the Ghanaians pressed high up, which won't happen as much against Portugal, and mostly do to the u.s. cm's playing a bad game, particularly Bradley. I don't think Bradley will be as bad as he was against Ghana again, so I think the u.s. will be able to do a much better job of getting the ball out of the back and won't misplace as many easy passes as they did last night. To be fair to Bradley, though, the last 10-15 minutes of the game when everyone else on the field looked dead tired, Bradley was still running well and had the most energy of any of the starting 11. Gotta give the guy credit for being able to work hard all 90 minutes.
And yeah, I think the key is Bradley staying higher up, which he didn't really last night, and then picking out the runs from the outside from the likes of Bedoya, Johnson, Beasley, and even occasionally Jones. You may very well be right about Ronaldo. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Ski_the_east01Out of all the countless reaction videos and vines that have made their way to the internet...this is hands down the best one I've ever seen
Bakerpowyou have never gotten carded? thats rather impressive. especially if youre playing at a high level where youre expected to go in hard on every tackle.
I've only been carded a few times but never out of doing something stupid like headbutting someone. I'm small so I'm usually the one getting pushed around and people get carded attacking me.
*SNO*Belgium haven't been as good as I expected them to. Hopefully see something more in the second half
Algeria is playing very defensively and loading the box. I would be surprised to see Belgium win this one. I kinda want Algeria to win just to make shit interesting in that group.
