2014 FIFA World Cup

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.MASSHOLE.This. Everyone in the midfield looked tired except Bradley. His touch may have been off, but the guy worked his ass off. Unfortunately, Jones, Cameron, and Zusi were all extremely poor tonight.

This team shocked me. I did not even consider them a factor in this World Cup, yet they got this far. Hopefully they can improve rather than regress like the last two WCs.

Better than Germany? No way. /sarcasm

Yeah. They kept talking about how all the travel wouldn't affect them, but this game and Germany they looked tired. But who knows, could also just be playing in Manaus and other hot places or having to spend so much time defending. It almost felt at times, after that goal against Portugal, that Jones wanted too much to be the hero. So many shots from distance when he had better options for a pass that were just nowhere close.

True, I forgot about that German freekick. That was really something special.

Jul 1 2014 6:52PM

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Chubz.usa will forget about soccer the second the nfl season starts lol

ugh.. not excited for that.

WattsThe midfield was the problem, not the defense.

Excatly. I dont care what anyone says, it doesnt matter how far you run in a game if you cant even make a single fucking decent touch. Sub a jamacian long distance runner in for Bradley, it would be about the same fucking result. In my opinion he let us down every single game and should have been subbed out.

A center midfielder should be the one on the field with the very best touch as they are building plays. Not the one whos only benefit is a head that looks like a big tan dildo.

Jul 1 2014 6:53PM

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Chewy.

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I_Am_ModWow such an exciting game with a dangerous comeback from the us!
Was awesome to see!
Good game

Good game man. Good luck to your country next round.

Jul 1 2014 6:54PM

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pat_in_the_hatExcatly. I dont care what anyone says, it doesnt matter how far you run in a game if you cant even make a single fucking decent touch. Sub a jamacian long distance runner in for Bradley, it would be about the same fucking result. In my opinion he let us down every single game and should have been subbed out.

A center midfielder should be the one on the field with the very best touch as they are building plays. Not the one whos only benefit is a head that looks like a big tan dildo.

Guess you missed the part today where he assisted the goal with an inch perfect pass...

This post is just stupid in a lot of ways.

Jul 1 2014 6:54PM

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WattsGuess you missed the part today where he assisted the goal with an inch perfect pass...

This post is just stupid in a lot of ways.

pretty sure everyone would have traded that pass for this "shot"

Jul 1 2014 6:58PM

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pat_in_the_hatpretty sure everyone would have traded that pass for this "shot"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6e4WnGfddQ

ha i still dont know how to embed

Jul 1 2014 6:59PM

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Charlie_Kelly

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pussyfooterMy exact thoughts, we won't hear about soccer for awhile now ha kinda sad...

It was clear after about 20' that usa was gonna lose, it wasn't if they would lose it was when. I mean Howard gets 15 saves? Thats a fucking record and not a good record, it means the defense was blowing it, the USA had possession for like 1/4 of the game probably and every time they got the ball they were very hesitant, because they wanted to be ready for the counterattack (belgium goal two was a counter that usa was to aggressive on). Either way, USA winning this game was a stretch, the media is just trying so hard to get america into soccer and they're definitely overestimating the abilities of the team.

As I typed this GREEN SCORES haha so sick he came in and scored. USA definitely could tie it up but if they do move on, argentina is going to be nearly impossible...

You are pretty far off with this analysis. You said it yourself, you aren't a soccer expert. Argentina is a one man team, they are worse than Belgium. Trust me. Possession was actually a lot closer than it appeared. The U.S. had a great last 20' and had not only a few chances to tie but chances to win. Soccer, unlike hockey, doesn't always favor the team with the most possession. Quick counter attacks can thwart a team that is completely controlling a game. The U.S. played a strong, defensive game. Unfortunately they "woke up" too late in the game.

And Howard had 16 saves, thats terrible for the U.S.

The U.S. gives the ball away far to often and can look like a high school team a lot of the time. But, if they one this game I have no doubts they could and would have beaten Argentina.

Jul 1 2014 7:00PM

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pat_in_the_hatpretty sure everyone would have traded that pass for this "shot"

I wouldn't. Having a player who can consistently finishes chances like that isn't going to help a team very much as a whole. Having a player who can make passes like the one Bradley made today does. If we're going to talk about the U.S.'s midfielders not being good enough to compete with a team like Belgium, it's passes like that which are the difference, not missing the chance against Portugal.

Except for the the game against Ghana, it's stupid to single out Bradley for criticism more than Jones or Beckerman or Cameron or anyone else who played in the center of midfield. It's going to happen because Bradley is a better player than those guys, but the truth is he was no worse than any of them after the Ghana game.

Jul 1 2014 7:05PM

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treebeard

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Bradley actually looked pretty good tonight, I kept a close eye on him and, while he fucked up occasionally, he made the right decision most of the time and didn't blow it in a crucial moment.

What I can't wrap my head around, however, is Klinsmann's decision to never give Diskerud- a possession-minded, controlling midfielder - any playing time at all. Especially this game with how poor our midfield possession was. I'm sure it had a lot to do with Altidore's injury, Diskerud's hold-up play works much better when we have a target man up front, but it's been my one real complaint with the US team throughout every game

Jul 1 2014 7:12PM

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Granite_StateArgentina is a one man team, they are worse than Belgium. Trust me.

It's funny though because before today, Belgium hadn't really been playing or combining well as a team, and looked like 11 talented individuals on the field more than 1 talented team. And yeah, so far Argentina have been a one man team, but there's no reason for them to be. The clearly have quality players who can and have been difference makers for club and country in the past. If Argentina are to beat Belgium they'll need everyone around Messi to start playing better and give something for Belgium's defense to worry about and pay attention to besides Messi.

treebeardWhat I can't wrap my head around, however, is Klinsmann's decision to never give Diskerud- a possession-minded, controlling midfielder - any playing time at all. Especially this game with how poor our midfield possession was. I'm sure it had a lot to do with Altidore's injury, Diskerud's hold-up play works much better when we have a target man up front, but it's been my one real complaint with the US team throughout every game

For sure. Really strange that through all three group games and now this game Diskerud never got on the field, especially when Bedoya and Zusi have been tired. Granted the Green substitution worked well today, but it's odd that when Zusi or Bedoya have come off it hasn't been Diskerud replacing them. But he's still young, he'll get his chance to have a bigger role in the team soon.

Jul 1 2014 7:20PM

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joe_dirt

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GOOD BYE USA.

Jul 1 2014 7:22PM

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theBearJew

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A great run. A team that nobody gave a chance to even get out of the group and we were that close (wondo pass/shot at the end of regulation) to the next round. I'm proud of our boys. Glad the US has taken to soccer once again. Hopefully it stays and doesn't just resurface in 4 years. Tim Howard is probably done for the WC. He would be 39 for the next one. The guy is a monster and it has been great watching him.

Now onto the rest of the WC, hope it is exciting being that I have no allegiance to anyone anymore.

Jul 1 2014 7:23PM

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bakedpow

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allez les bleus!

Jul 1 2014 7:26PM

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WattsI wouldn't. Having a player who can consistently finishes chances like that isn't going to help a team very much as a whole. Having a player who can make passes like the one Bradley made today does.

true. but that was only one pass. We needed that pass about 5 times in 4 games. It was a beautiful pass, ill give him that. But there should have been much more to his play as he is a centermid and thus pretty much controls the ball and play. Yes, he has great hustle when everyone else was gassed. But his foot skills were just off this tourney. My opinion is that someone else should have been given the chance since he was having a an apparent rough couple weeks Im done arguing. Lets just respect eachothers opinion.

Jul 1 2014 7:26PM

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pat_in_the_hattrue. but that was only one pass. We needed that pass about 5 times in 4 games. It was a beautiful pass, ill give him that. But there should have been much more to his play as he is a centermid and thus pretty much controls the ball and play. Yes, he has great hustle when everyone else was gassed. But his foot skills were just off this tourney. My opinion is that someone else should have been given the chance since he was having a an apparent rough couple weeks Im done arguing. Lets just respect eachothers opinion.

And it was only one shot. I'm not saying Bradley was at his best, he clearly wasn't, but I also don't think he was any worse than anyone else for the U.S. who was playing in the center of midfield. Many people have suggested he should have been taken off, but the question is who would you rather have on the field than Bradley, even if he isn't playing well? For me, even a bad Michael Bradley is still just as good as Beckerman and Jones and better than Cameron. Really Diskerud is the only guy on the team who may have been able to come in and do a better job than Bradley in that spot just behind the striker once Altidore got hurt and Bradley and Dempsey both had to be pushed further up the field than they are used to playing.

Jul 1 2014 7:41PM

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messplay

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MAPLE SYRUP STILL GOES ON [ BELGIAN ] WAFFLES! HAPPY CANADA DAY

Jul 1 2014 7:41PM

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.MASSHOLE.

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Lets go Germany, beat those Frenchies!

Anyone have updated predictions for finalists? I think there is a high probability we see a European team in the final with the way Brazil and Argentina have been playing, but then again. Germany, Belgium, France, and Holland have had their issues as well.

Jul 1 2014 7:43PM

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Fun_dip

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Johansson deserved some time. Really happy all the teams showed up in the knockout round for the most part. All group winners advanced but still incredibly tight games. Next round should be crazy only the 'giants' left.

Jul 1 2014 7:45PM

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Fun_dipNext round should be crazy only the 'giants' left.

And Costa Rica. I guess they're the team I root for now. CONCACAF thunder or bust

Jul 1 2014 7:55PM

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.MASSHOLE.Anyone have updated predictions for finalists?

Honestly, I still have no idea who will win. There hasn't been any team, except maybe Colombia, who have played well in all of their games. Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Dutch have all looked vulnerable defensively and impotent offensively at one point or another. Makes it really hard to pick any team to win, or even make it to the final.

But boy does it make for a great World Cup.

Jul 1 2014 8:00PM

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Ye_ol_wild_Koala

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I root for ze germans.

Jul 1 2014 8:01PM

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Charlie_Kelly

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Im rooting for my favorite national team (ironically Brasil)They aren't the strongest team and I know a lot of people don't like them but Ive been a fan since a kid. If they fail Im def rooting for Costa Rica. It'd be great to see them advance.

Jul 1 2014 8:04PM

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.MASSHOLE.

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Honestly, I want an upset somewhere, be it Costa Rica, Columbia, or Belgium. Someone needs to get knocked off.

Jul 1 2014 8:06PM

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Fun_dip

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Just my predictions for this round.

Brazil, although Columbia will outplay them and I want Columbia to win. Brazil will get helped or somehow pull something out of their ass

Netherlands. They're just better than Costa Rica on paper by that much. Yeah I know so did all the teams in their group, but I just can't see them beating a quality Dutch side that looks good for the most part.

France. 4 CBs will cost Germany. Also the Germans lack of pace all around. The athletic midfield of France helps win the possession battle and ultimately the game.

Argentina. 4 CBs also costs Belgium. Argentinas defense holds up again somehow.

Just my predictions. Will probably be way off as I have been for large portions this far.

Jul 1 2014 8:10PM

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LoathesRaisins

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I'd like to see Costa Rica win if Germany gets knocked out.

Jul 1 2014 8:24PM

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Somewhat long but really interesting read:

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/lionel-messi-is-impossible/

Jul 1 2014 9:57PM

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*SID*

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I don't see brazil making it past semi-finals.

Jul 1 2014 10:02PM

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El_Barto.

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Soccer is a stupid sport anyway

Jul 1 2014 10:51PM

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DERS.

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I_Am_ModNice comeback from argentina in the second half, still somewhat undeserved, the swiss came so close to making it even in that last minute!

how on earth was that undeserved? argentina dominated the whole game offensively.. fuck belgium and fuck you. VAMOS CARAJO, puta de madre no sabes nada cabron... vamos vamos argentina, vamos vamos a ganar!

Granite_StateBut, if they one this game I have no doubts they could and would have beaten Argentina.

won* granite you're an idiot... no chance us or belgium could beat argentina.

Jul 1 2014 10:51PM

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treebeard

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I love how people state in absolutes that a team could never beat another team. Really shows the knowledge

Jul 1 2014 10:54PM

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acualywasdolan

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DERS.how on earth was that undeserved? argentina dominated the whole game offensively.. fuck belgium and fuck you. VAMOS CARAJO, puta de madre no sabes nada cabron... vamos vamos argentina, vamos vamos a ganar!

won* granite you're an idiot... no chance us or belgium could beat argentina.

Argentina isnt that deep after messi.

Bradley really isnt that good. He loses the ball alot and cant dribble at defenders for the life of him. And why do they have him take the free kicks? He blows goats at them. I used to take the fks for my team and i could put up better bslls than bradley.
At least hes good looking..., oh wait

Jul 1 2014 11:14PM

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@th1337

The USA showed it belonged, once again.

I'm proud of that, and that alone.

Jul 1 2014 11:54PM

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Forcillo

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I agree with a lot of the announcers, the US has good athletic ability, but they just need to develop more technical players who can help their possession game.

GO GERMANY!

Jul 2 2014 12:00AM

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Chunter

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Soooo the US loses and everyone decides to jump on the German bandwagon? Get yo own fuggin team.

I'm gonna say Colombia, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium all advance but I wouldn't be surprised by a Costa Rica upset or maybeeee even a French win. The rest of the games judging by recent form seem to be a lock but with this world cup I won't be surprised if all my selections end up wrong.

Jul 2 2014 12:42AM

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theBearJew

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Anyone know where I can get myself a Tim Howard jersey?

Jul 2 2014 1:22AM

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turducken

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HP123I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN! I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!

This is one of the shittest sports chants ever. I'm pleased I won't have to hear it again.

Jul 2 2014 1:27AM

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@th1337

No words can describe how perfect this was set up. If only Dempsey wasn't so firm on his touch, this goes in.

Jul 2 2014 2:09AM

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bakedpow

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to tim howard, world class out there today. easily one of the best keeper performances of the cup, beats out ochoa by far imo.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/tim-howard-wikipedia-united-states-secretary-of-defense

Jul 2 2014 2:44AM

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acualywasdolan

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Paedophile-PopeThis is one of the shittest sports chants ever. I'm pleased I won't have to hear it again.

Couldnt agree with you more. Shows how much of a fucking tool the avg american is

Jul 2 2014 2:53AM

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acualywasdolan

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Also what nike boot do most of the wc players wear? The one with the ankle sock nike advertises everywhere that costs 275 wasnt on any player i saw

Jul 2 2014 2:55AM

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@th1337

Also, i may be late on this one, but in light of the Americans almost pulling off the most beautiful freekick routine, I have to show you guys what a joke the German's finely tuned machine is...

Cue benny hill music.

Jul 2 2014 3:07AM

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