The Z Machine
Footballguy
I don't think Ghana is more talented. some are more technically skilled, but as a whole, not more talented.
I think Mourinho's Inter team beat Barca while conceding 86% in a knock out Champions League game a few years back. Possession is nice, but it means very little if it doesn't create chances. Ghana was undoubtedly better today, but were wasteful given all the dangerous situations they created. How many times was Howard really tested? Off the top of my head, 3 or 4 top class saves?60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
One, on the kick from 25. The header was going wide.I think Mourinho's Inter team beat Barca while conceding 86% in a knock out Champions League game a few years back. Possession is nice, but it means very little if it doesn't create chances. Ghana was undoubtedly better today, but were wasteful given all the dangerous situations they created. How many times was Howard really tested? Off the top of my head, 3 or 4 top class saves?60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
possession without penetration is just masturbation /hudsonI think Mourinho's Inter team beat Barca while conceding 86% in a knock out Champions League game a few years back. Possession is nice, but it means very little if it doesn't create chances. Ghana was undoubtedly better today, but were wasteful given all the dangerous situations they created. How many times was Howard really tested? Off the top of my head, 3 or 4 top class saves?60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
I know nothing about soccer, but after watching the game today, it wasnt close in terms of talent. Ghana sure seemed like they had more established pros than us, but we grinded out a well earned win.I don't think Ghana is more talented. some are more technically skilled, but as a whole, not more talented.
They'd certainly sit anyone with a card at a minimum. The protocol is to do whatever you can to help yourself. If it hurts someone else, too bad.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
I think there's -0- chance of a full B squad. I think they'll want to beat Klinsmoyes, but not get anyone hurt doing itNot sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
US is probably viewed as weakest of 4 teams in group, if Germany advances, they are best suited with US advancing instead of Portugal, maybe giving them more motivation to take t easy vs us.They'd certainly sit anyone with a card at a minimum. The protocol is to do whatever you can to help yourself. If it hurts someone else, too bad.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
That was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
Tell me more about this.Mediocre team?In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. .
That was a team loaded with players who play at stronger clubs than the US team. Ignore the rankings, they are relatively meaningless.
Ghana also had several really good chances that they just whiffed on. One cross 10 yards out right in the center of the goal that the guy whiffed on when taking his shot, and several headers from right front and center that sailed over the top. They also had quite a few of those crosses where they had a man behind the D but the pass was just a foot or two off.I think Mourinho's Inter team beat Barca while conceding 86% in a knock out Champions League game a few years back. Possession is nice, but it means very little if it doesn't create chances. Ghana was undoubtedly better today, but were wasteful given all the dangerous situations they created. How many times was Howard really tested? Off the top of my head, 3 or 4 top class saves?60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
Some of the German players hated him saying he had almost no tactical knowledge. A couple lambasted him in auto biographies, it got a bit nastyThat was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
For you soccer studs, is time of possession a primary metric you use to gauge a game? Seems like it would be.60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
FIFA keeps a world ranking list using a very complicated formula that hurts teams from certain regions.Tell me more about this.Mediocre team?In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. .
That was a team loaded with players who play at stronger clubs than the US team. Ignore the rankings, they are relatively meaningless.
So it's not like he's seen as some kind of traitor or defector that he's coaching the US?Some of the German players hated him saying he had almost no tactical knowledge. A couple lambasted him in auto biographies, it got a bit nastyThat was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
Many US fans have been uneasy with him but the recent handling of the Landon Donovan issue pushed many over the edge against him.
I think he is a fabulous recruiter (which in these modern times with so many dual nationals is very important) but he is not strong with the basic X's and O's ( and that is even with acknowledging that he does not have elite talent to work with).
The win today likely means that he will stick around through 2018 which is what he is signed for.
As a US soccer fan, I have always, and still do, love the hire. Proven European player who won the World Cup with Germany while also starring in German, English and Italian leagues. So he knows what it takes to play at the top levels. As a coach, he managed Germany to the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup as well as coaching Bayern Munich (though he clashed with management and was fired). So his coaching pedigree is also above that of any other coach weve had in recent memory. To top it all off, he's lived here in the US for several years, has an American wife, and has adopted the US as his "second" country. So its not like hes a total import either - he is acclimated to lthe "american" way of life.That was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
J
Thanks. So if those rankings are meaningless, what is a good way to get a ranking on the teams?FIFA keeps a world ranking list using a very complicated formula that hurts teams from certain regions.Tell me more about this.Mediocre team?In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. .
That was a team loaded with players who play at stronger clubs than the US team. Ignore the rankings, they are relatively meaningless.
You can read more about it here if you are interested in seeing the nitty gritty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Rankings
It is one very small stat that is over blown by the media.For you soccer studs, is time of possession a primary metric you use to gauge a game? Seems like it would be.60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
Really depends on the tactics deployed - many teams will concede possession and focus on quick counter-attacks, when the team dominating possession has been drawn up field. There is a school of thought that goals happen more frequently on loss of possession - mistake or otherwise - so the team with the ball is more vulnerable.For you soccer studs, is time of possession a primary metric you use to gauge a game? Seems like it would be.60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
J
If they have 6 points they'll sit four or five guys. Anyone with a card, dinged up, or slightly winded from the first two games.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
So no tactical knowledge but incredible recruiting skills. Joe - to put in football terms, JK = Les Miles.Some of the German players hated him saying he had almost no tactical knowledge. A couple lambasted him in auto biographies, it got a bit nasty
Many US fans have been uneasy with him but the recent handling of the Landon Donovan issue pushed many over the edge against him.
I think he is a fabulous recruiter (which in these modern times with so many dual nationals is very important) but he is not strong with the basic X's and O's ( and that is even with acknowledging that he does not have elite talent to work with).
The win today likely means that he will stick around through 2018 which is what he is signed for.
Just like every other sport the best way to gauge relative power is betting odds.Thanks. So if those rankings are meaningless, what is a good way to get a ranking on the teams?
His contract ran out and he decided not to sign again.So it's not like he's seen as some kind of traitor or defector that he's coaching the US?Some of the German players hated him saying he had almost no tactical knowledge. A couple lambasted him in auto biographies, it got a bit nastyThat was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
Many US fans have been uneasy with him but the recent handling of the Landon Donovan issue pushed many over the edge against him.
I think he is a fabulous recruiter (which in these modern times with so many dual nationals is very important) but he is not strong with the basic X's and O's ( and that is even with acknowledging that he does not have elite talent to work with).
The win today likely means that he will stick around through 2018 which is what he is signed for.
What were the conditions under which he left the German team?
Agreed. He had another nice run/shot that almost went through too.Andy, I can't understand why you think Dempsey is too high. That should go down as one of the best goals in USMNT history. He drew countless fouls. Sure, the injury hurt his workrate a little. But his game was certainly worth a 7.
These are teams that get together a handful of times a year, and play with different line-ups virtually every game. They don't play a wide variety of teams around the world on a consistent basis. It would be an exercise in futility to rank the teams based on results.Thanks. So if those rankings are meaningless, what is a good way to get a ranking on the teams?FIFA keeps a world ranking list using a very complicated formula that hurts teams from certain regions.Tell me more about this.Mediocre team?In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. .
That was a team loaded with players who play at stronger clubs than the US team. Ignore the rankings, they are relatively meaningless.
You can read more about it here if you are interested in seeing the nitty gritty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Rankings
Not to be negative, but coming from someone like me that is used to a logical tournament seeding like the NCAA Basketball, this seems kind of ridiculous.
J
I think the rankings are decent for what they are but they are only used to seed 8 teams in the World Cup. After that it is more regional oriented than rankings oriented.Thanks. So if those rankings are meaningless, what is a good way to get a ranking on the teams?FIFA keeps a world ranking list using a very complicated formula that hurts teams from certain regions.Tell me more about this.Mediocre team?In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. .
That was a team loaded with players who play at stronger clubs than the US team. Ignore the rankings, they are relatively meaningless.
You can read more about it here if you are interested in seeing the nitty gritty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Rankings
Not to be negative, but coming from someone like me that is used to a logical tournament seeding like the NCAA Basketball, this seems kind of ridiculous.
OOFBrooks coming on for Besler according to twitter.
I think he's pretty overrated as a coach. Did nothing at Bayern, had a good run in 2006 with Germany, but his assistant Low(Germany's current manager) was the tactical guy behind that. So that's the extent of the hire for the USA team; a failed club manager and guy that can't manage a game.That was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
J
I love that he is here too - but not for his tactical nous.There are people who know a million times more about soccer than I do, but I think JK's tactical knowledge is downplayed. I see a guy who had really changed the US approach from sitting back to attacking more and being more interesting.
I love that he's here.
NFL/Soccer>NBA>NHL>MLBHow prominent is a manager in soccer compared to the 4 US sports. I have NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB in that order for the big 4 in terms of impact on teams performance. Where would you guys rank soccer managers on that list? First time seeing this new coach, I love the guy, he breeds excitement and hopefulness to the team.
Don't listen to gator, he's a haterI think he's pretty overrated as a coach. Did nothing at Bayern, had a good run in 2006 with Germany, but his assistant Low(Germany's current manager) was the tactical guy behind that. So that's the extent of the hire for the USA team; a failed club manager and guy that can't manage a game.That was a question I had. How is Klinsman viewed among the German fans?No - but I doubt they run up the score. i am guessing they would prefer to see Portugal out, than to see the US out - if it came to that. Klinsmann is still a favorite son, even if he is a bit wayward.Not sure about soccer protocol, but if Germany wins next match, any chance they field a total B squad vs US in 3rd game?
And for US fans, how is he seen? Was his hiring thought of as a great hire?
J
IMO, he's poor at man management, tactical knowledge and training. We suffered three(maybe not Bedoya) non-contact injuries today, that's likely not a just a coincidence. Cramps are one thing, but if it's three pulled hamstrings, then yeah, that's on the manager, imo.
He was an outstanding player, but it's like getting Ted Williams to try and teach a kid to hit .400, it just doesn't happen.
Don't even mention Donovan to me
Seems like an odd game to claim the team is attacking more after...There are people who know a million times more about soccer than I do, but I think JK's tactical knowledge is downplayed. I see a guy who had really changed the US approach from sitting back to attacking more and being more interesting.
I love that he's here.
The chance is better with the 3 points tonight but it was always going to be a rough rode no matter who was hurt or healthy.Is there any real chance the US can advance with Altidore gone? I thought one of Jurgen's strong points was conditioning and strengthening?
Very real chance - beat portugal, who may be down 3 starters.Is there any real chance the US can advance with Altidore gone? I thought one of Jurgen's strong points was conditioning and strengthening?
Just warning you - nobody rolls around the field and feigns injury more than the Portugese.Some take aways today from a total novice.
Landon Donovan was super cool on TV I thought. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was the retired favorite son. Not the guy cut. Now maybe they're paying him boat load of money I dunno but he acted super classy.
I love our guy that broke his nose and refused the stupid little stretcher boat thing then kept playing. That's the kind of thing that will make me cheer for a guy.
I can't stand the german guy Muller that flopped so hard and taunted the guy into touching his forehead ( at that being a "headbutt") I hope Germany sucks but from my vast soccer experience, that's looking kind of like hating the Heat or the Seahawks.
I enjoyed the USA game a lot. At 1-1, my friends were all begging for a tie and I told them they were wimps and that we were going to win. They smiled at poor Joe the Soccer novice. 30 seconds later, we scored.
J
Also this was a weird match because in 30 seconds, the US had a goal. So, tactics change, they want to protect that lead and not give up any mistakes...they just overdid it.Really depends on the tactics deployed - many teams will concede possession and focus on quick counter-attacks, when the team dominating possession has been drawn up field. There is a school of thought that goals happen more frequently on loss of possession - mistake or otherwise - so the team with the ball is more vulnerable.For you soccer studs, is time of possession a primary metric you use to gauge a game? Seems like it would be.60/40 is very lopsided. 70/30 is complete and total domination. I don't believe I have ever see 80/20 in a professional game.Was thinking the same thing. When I saw the time of possession, I couldn't believe it was only around 60/40 ghana. I thought it would've been over 80/20. That was one exciting finish, but damn, it was pretty miraculous we only gave up one goal.In all seriousness, how is this team going to beat anyone good? The US got badly outplayed by a mediocre team. Portugal and Germany are much better. It will take another miraculous game to get out of this round. And if we somehow do make it out of this round, we get slaughtered next round. US soccer is still not ready to compete against the big boys. It was an exciting start to get our false hopes up though.
J
Possession-based teams look more in control - but that is not always the case. If they can't create scoring chances with possession - its all meaningless. Tonights game had Ghana with 8 shots on goal, and US with 7 shots on goal.
that is kind of how this world cup has gone. Lots of late goals and has been a fantastic tournament so far.I enjoyed the USA game a lot. At 1-1, my friends were all begging for a tie and I told them they were wimps and that we were going to win. They smiled at poor Joe the Soccer novice. 30 seconds later, we scored.
http://gfycat.com/UnripeLinearCrocodileDoes anyone have a gif of the second goal? I feel like it glanced off of Cam before Brooks got to it.
I can't stand the german guy Muller that flopped so hard and taunted the guy into touching his forehead ( at that being a "headbutt") I hope Germany sucks but from my vast soccer experience, that's looking kind of like hating the Heat or the Seahawks.
Thanks. I need to know these things because so far, how much fake agony a team puts on is my primary way of deciding whether I like them or not.Just warning you - nobody rolls around the field and feigns injury more than the Portugese.Some take aways today from a total novice.
Landon Donovan was super cool on TV I thought. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was the retired favorite son. Not the guy cut. Now maybe they're paying him boat load of money I dunno but he acted super classy.
I love our guy that broke his nose and refused the stupid little stretcher boat thing then kept playing. That's the kind of thing that will make me cheer for a guy.
I can't stand the german guy Muller that flopped so hard and taunted the guy into touching his forehead ( at that being a "headbutt") I hope Germany sucks but from my vast soccer experience, that's looking kind of like hating the Heat or the Seahawks.
I enjoyed the USA game a lot. At 1-1, my friends were all begging for a tie and I told them they were wimps and that we were going to win. They smiled at poor Joe the Soccer novice. 30 seconds later, we scored.
J
Well today wasn't the first game I've watched.Seems like an odd game to claim the team is attacking more after...There are people who know a million times more about soccer than I do, but I think JK's tactical knowledge is downplayed. I see a guy who had really changed the US approach from sitting back to attacking more and being more interesting.
I love that he's here.
Probably not - he would have been more of a back-up to the guy who broke his nose.Sorry if honda. But if Donovan would have been on the team, would he have been the guy to replace the guy who hurt his hamstring?
J