dparker713
Footballguy
They certainly had plenty of options in formation/personnel. Klinsman started a defensive minded squad and got a result, but we didn't need to cede that much of the game to Ghana.
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***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter NewlyRetired
- Start date
dparker713
Footballguy
You're not even removing the vig. You think the odds are heavily against the US to advance you should either place a bet at a sportsbook, or start offering odds on here that reflect that.I did. I offered better than the book did. How much can I put you down for?Profitable books take stands on bets all the time. They put their money where their mouth is, so can you.
I didn't know what the price was when I made the statement. I checked after and offered a price that was better than the book I looked at. If someone wants to accept or counter, step up. Otherwise there's nothing I can do.
chet
Footballguy
I also removed Germany from the bet.Five cents?I did. I offered better than the book did. How much can I put you down for?Profitable books take stands on bets all the time. They put their money where their mouth is, so can you.
I didn't know what the price was when I made the statement. I checked after and offered a price that was better than the book I looked at. If someone wants to accept or counter, step up. Otherwise there's nothing I can do.
Counter me. I might hit it. Any bets will have to be posted with a trustworthy neutral third party unless I know you.
chet
Footballguy
Hit it or counter me. If my book offered a similar bet, I'd be all over it.You're not even removing the vig. You think the odds are heavily against the US to advance you should either place a bet at a sportsbook, or start offering odds on here that reflect that.I did. I offered better than the book did. How much can I put you down for?Profitable books take stands on bets all the time. They put their money where their mouth is, so can you.
I didn't know what the price was when I made the statement. I checked after and offered a price that was better than the book I looked at. If someone wants to accept or counter, step up. Otherwise there's nothing I can do.
Celph Titled
Footballguy
Hella reaction videos: http://screamer.deadspin.com/america-reacts-to-game-winner-against-ghana-1591737963
Chet, why don't you just bet Portugal, then bet Germany? Seems like a better way to go for you.
Chet, why don't you just bet Portugal, then bet Germany? Seems like a better way to go for you.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It's important, but like football, it's can be misleading. Some teams run the ball and control the clock, but can get blown out by a team that runs uptempo offense based on big plays. Think about some of the NCAA teams that go no huddle and can cover 80 yards in a 5 play 2 minute drive.
The Gator
Footballguy
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Ilov80s
Footballguy
It's a nice storyline, but in soccer it isn't too uncommon to have a coach from a different country.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
I strongly disagree regarding where the NHL is ranked on this list in terms of the importance of the coach. The Jacques Lemaire hire transformed the Devils - well beyond even the time he was still here.
-QG
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Gator
Footballguy
Soccer is by far the most different than any other here. For a soccer manager it is all about game preparation and man management. You get two chances to set your team up and organize players; pre-game and halftime. There are no TV timeouts, 50 stoppages of play where you can change a game plan. If you get scored on three times in 5 minutes, there's no chance to call a time-out and regroup. This requires mental toughness from the players, too.
Soccer>>>> fill in the other sports.
When you get 20-30 times a game to tweak and adjust, it makes your job easier. When you have to game plan and are stuck with only three subs and one intermission, you better have ducks in a row or you're toast.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Glurge of thoughts from someone who is not nearly the technical soccer-head of most.
I consider myself much more on the Joe B scale of soccer knowledge regardless of how many posts I have put in here.
I think that any win against a team with the tenacity of Ghana is an earned win. They are a good opponent that plays a style that is tough to play against. Much respect to them. The US showed the kind of grit and determination that winning teams have. I think it carried us through - and I think it's a reflection of Klinsmann.
I think we could play Ghana 10 times and it would not have played out this way - there were many unique circumstances to the game. I think the early goal set the tone a great deal - Ghana presed a lot more for sure, but I also think that a lot of the more hopeful shots they struck were an effort to get that magic bullet that they surely believed would lead to the US crumbling. If the game were 0-0 for more than 30 seconds I think that they just might have played for better chances there with less shots overall but more quality shots taken. For as much heat as the Ghanaians produced - they played a very wasteful game in a lot of ways.
It was clear the plan from go by Ghana was to attack on us their right side (at our left defense) - it's probably going to be the book for every game against us at this World Cup. I think that Bedoya being clearly gimpy (as well as the need to press for a goal) led them to balance their attack more in the second half. There were times Bedoya was clearly getting abused out there but I personally liked the gustiness of his effort. I think he bought enough time to make Zusi's insertion optimal (as well as get us to a point where the 3rd substitution was able to be more tactical than strictly an injury replacement).
Jozy's injury was terribly timed and I think it greatly greatly altered the game plan for the US. If he didn't pull up there he very well could have generated a dangerous chance on that run. I think the ability to counter with a threat like him would have served to blunt the shooting-gallery situation that ended up playing out. He would have kept them more honest. I think Besler coming out (and from what Klinsmann said it seemed like he took himself out to prevent possible further injury) really tied things up in terms of moves that could be made down the line (thankfully it also put Brooks on the pitch which proved crucial). I don't know if anybody made a count of how many of the US guys looked gimpy out there but there were times it seemed like everybody. As for Dempsey - that i a captain. He was having none of coming out from the word go. Inspiring - even if the situation surely blunted his effectiveness later in the game. The turnovers and poor maintenance of possession drove me nuts - and frankly the way we kept turning the ball over I was particularly irked to see Howard opt for short rolls or kicks to the back-line players to build the attack rather than blasting it down the field - I get what the idea was (build over the course of the field) but our execution was so lacking in linking up that it felt too dangerous.
I think that the fight in the US and the fact that they moved forward after conceding that goal is totally a reflection of Klinsmann and the attitude he is trying to instill in the team. Regardless of what anyone else in the thread says I am 100% convinced that we needed ALL 3 points in this game. We were a different team after Ghana scored - it's like we suddenly realized that we can attack too.
I'm a fan of JJ's pesky style - I think he brings some sandpaper to a team that doesn't have enough. I like the Claude Lemieux comparsion - as a NJ Devils fan that is the kind of player I love to have on my side. That he was able to make mischief without getting caught or at least penalized for it - so much the better. I can't remember the player who forced the corner that led to the winning goal - that is the kind of sustained effort we need - our hallmark is to work hard with less talent - the plus side of this is that guys bust their ### and don't give up on plays like that one.
I was yelling like crazy for Zusi to take a "real" corner - I hate short corners, especially from us. I mean if it's time-killing or whatever I get it. I know the numbers supposedly say there is no difference. But the fact is that set pieces seem to be one of those areas that we are above average at - I want us to fling the ball in the box pretty much every time and let our guys win the athletic battle. Thank God they did it that time
And I really felt like that if we did that the goal would result.
Donovan's place in US Soccer history is secure. I understand how he has a bit of that sacred aspect to many fans (and how there's as many that find his omission simply tactically bad). But Klinsmann's pedigree is better - he's the guy we turned the keys over to - and if we're giving him the keys he has to drive his way
. The fact is that one of Klinsmann's kids is the guy who came on mid-game and delivered the goods. At the end of the day to get the USA to where it's truly elite, to a place where I think that Klinsmann sees we can be long-term, we have to develop players that will be beyond Donovan. And that these players are ones that will get developed in a total structure system. This is a controversal statement I know - but I look at Donovan as a guidepost on the way. If he's the best we ever have we'll never get to where we want to be.
More thoughts - not sure if Ghana was mimicking Ivory Coast - but I think they imagined Essien and Boateng as being sort of that magic bullet that Drogba was for Ivory Coast. I haven't seen what they said post game. I feel like there's a disrespect there - that they'll feel they were unlucky. But what they don't see is that we seized the opportunities that we were given - and that we got these opportunities because they lapsed - and felt that they could get away with it - that they truly had a magic sway over us - and they paid dearly. Notwithstanding that they will be a total handful for Germany and Portugal. Ghana's goose isn't cooked yet.
I am excited for the Portugal game. I am hoping that conditioning doesn't cause the same sorts of problems we had today and they we'll have a free hand to implement the tactics and lineups we truly want. And I especially hope that Portugal wilts, England-style in the Manaus heat.
End overly long glurge.
-QG
I consider myself much more on the Joe B scale of soccer knowledge regardless of how many posts I have put in here.
I think that any win against a team with the tenacity of Ghana is an earned win. They are a good opponent that plays a style that is tough to play against. Much respect to them. The US showed the kind of grit and determination that winning teams have. I think it carried us through - and I think it's a reflection of Klinsmann.
I think we could play Ghana 10 times and it would not have played out this way - there were many unique circumstances to the game. I think the early goal set the tone a great deal - Ghana presed a lot more for sure, but I also think that a lot of the more hopeful shots they struck were an effort to get that magic bullet that they surely believed would lead to the US crumbling. If the game were 0-0 for more than 30 seconds I think that they just might have played for better chances there with less shots overall but more quality shots taken. For as much heat as the Ghanaians produced - they played a very wasteful game in a lot of ways.
It was clear the plan from go by Ghana was to attack on us their right side (at our left defense) - it's probably going to be the book for every game against us at this World Cup. I think that Bedoya being clearly gimpy (as well as the need to press for a goal) led them to balance their attack more in the second half. There were times Bedoya was clearly getting abused out there but I personally liked the gustiness of his effort. I think he bought enough time to make Zusi's insertion optimal (as well as get us to a point where the 3rd substitution was able to be more tactical than strictly an injury replacement).
Jozy's injury was terribly timed and I think it greatly greatly altered the game plan for the US. If he didn't pull up there he very well could have generated a dangerous chance on that run. I think the ability to counter with a threat like him would have served to blunt the shooting-gallery situation that ended up playing out. He would have kept them more honest. I think Besler coming out (and from what Klinsmann said it seemed like he took himself out to prevent possible further injury) really tied things up in terms of moves that could be made down the line (thankfully it also put Brooks on the pitch which proved crucial). I don't know if anybody made a count of how many of the US guys looked gimpy out there but there were times it seemed like everybody. As for Dempsey - that i a captain. He was having none of coming out from the word go. Inspiring - even if the situation surely blunted his effectiveness later in the game. The turnovers and poor maintenance of possession drove me nuts - and frankly the way we kept turning the ball over I was particularly irked to see Howard opt for short rolls or kicks to the back-line players to build the attack rather than blasting it down the field - I get what the idea was (build over the course of the field) but our execution was so lacking in linking up that it felt too dangerous.
I think that the fight in the US and the fact that they moved forward after conceding that goal is totally a reflection of Klinsmann and the attitude he is trying to instill in the team. Regardless of what anyone else in the thread says I am 100% convinced that we needed ALL 3 points in this game. We were a different team after Ghana scored - it's like we suddenly realized that we can attack too.
I'm a fan of JJ's pesky style - I think he brings some sandpaper to a team that doesn't have enough. I like the Claude Lemieux comparsion - as a NJ Devils fan that is the kind of player I love to have on my side. That he was able to make mischief without getting caught or at least penalized for it - so much the better. I can't remember the player who forced the corner that led to the winning goal - that is the kind of sustained effort we need - our hallmark is to work hard with less talent - the plus side of this is that guys bust their ### and don't give up on plays like that one.
I was yelling like crazy for Zusi to take a "real" corner - I hate short corners, especially from us. I mean if it's time-killing or whatever I get it. I know the numbers supposedly say there is no difference. But the fact is that set pieces seem to be one of those areas that we are above average at - I want us to fling the ball in the box pretty much every time and let our guys win the athletic battle. Thank God they did it that time
And I really felt like that if we did that the goal would result.Donovan's place in US Soccer history is secure. I understand how he has a bit of that sacred aspect to many fans (and how there's as many that find his omission simply tactically bad). But Klinsmann's pedigree is better - he's the guy we turned the keys over to - and if we're giving him the keys he has to drive his way
. The fact is that one of Klinsmann's kids is the guy who came on mid-game and delivered the goods. At the end of the day to get the USA to where it's truly elite, to a place where I think that Klinsmann sees we can be long-term, we have to develop players that will be beyond Donovan. And that these players are ones that will get developed in a total structure system. This is a controversal statement I know - but I look at Donovan as a guidepost on the way. If he's the best we ever have we'll never get to where we want to be.More thoughts - not sure if Ghana was mimicking Ivory Coast - but I think they imagined Essien and Boateng as being sort of that magic bullet that Drogba was for Ivory Coast. I haven't seen what they said post game. I feel like there's a disrespect there - that they'll feel they were unlucky. But what they don't see is that we seized the opportunities that we were given - and that we got these opportunities because they lapsed - and felt that they could get away with it - that they truly had a magic sway over us - and they paid dearly. Notwithstanding that they will be a total handful for Germany and Portugal. Ghana's goose isn't cooked yet.
I am excited for the Portugal game. I am hoping that conditioning doesn't cause the same sorts of problems we had today and they we'll have a free hand to implement the tactics and lineups we truly want. And I especially hope that Portugal wilts, England-style in the Manaus heat.
End overly long glurge.
-QG
The Gator
Footballguy
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
I think any of the Germans are his kids
-QG
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
A little taste of the Ghana press for those intrigued by such things I think it's a fair-minded assessment.
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313123
-QG
I think it's a fair-minded assessment.http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313123
-QG
Celph Titled
Footballguy
Is the diamond blamable for how bad Bradley's looked? Is my loathing of the diamond justified? Does completely switching around your formation right before the WC ever make sense? How did the 3-5-2 work out for Sabella the other day?
Do we all agree that Zusi should be starting over Bedoya?
If we stick with the diamond, should Jones be on the right side against Portugal, so as better to help deal with Ronaldo?
Who does JK start at RB on Sunday?
Do we all agree that Zusi should be starting over Bedoya?
If we stick with the diamond, should Jones be on the right side against Portugal, so as better to help deal with Ronaldo?
Who does JK start at RB on Sunday?
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Celph Titled
Footballguy
I found this earlier. I..I dunno.A little taste of the Ghana press for those intrigued by such things
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313123
-QG
http://www.dailyguideghana.com/black-stars-squad-remix/
Ted Lange as your Bartender
Footballguy
The comment section in this article is goldA little taste of the Ghana press for those intrigued by such things
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313123
-QG
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313081&comment=0#com
They MAD. Their tears are delicious.
El Floppo
Footballguy
He looks like he's literally running himself into the ground out there. And yeah- considering he's closer to Pepe than FDR in termperment, it's impressive to see his restraint so far :knockonwood:
El Floppo
Footballguy
Not pretty. So rarely on the ball, and not as useful with it when he was.
Seemed like he was playing behind Jones and Beckerman- which I assume was by design... even if the design wasn't exactly nice to look at. But seemed to rise to the occasion more in the last 10 minutes.
Offa
Footballguy
Good spot.The comment section in this article is goldA little taste of the Ghana press for those intrigued by such things
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313123
-QG
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=313081&comment=0#com
They MAD. Their tears are delicious.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I think I"d rather see Bacon deeper and Dempsey higher than see Wondo out there. Tough to even rate Johanson- so rarely got the ball with almost no service. And when he did, there wasn't much support. But losing Jozy stinks- his ability to make the diagonal run (when he decides to actually make the run) and fight people off for it has turned into a strength- one that Bacon doesn't seem to have in his arsenal.
I think the people woe-is-meing that Ghana played better are overlooking that the US came into this game to play almost exactly how the game turned out. Defend with numbers through the middle, counter with a purpose (a little less succesful with that), and win the set-pieces. Yeah, the opporunities were there for Ghana, but mostly from a long ways out or hopeful crosses- which is exactly what the US wanted.
That said- I do think something needed to change tactically at the 60 minutes mark when it appeared clear Ghana was pushing the US too deep. I'd bet JK being forced to play 2 early subs for Jozy and Besler.handcuffed his willingness to throw the last sub out there that early...
I'm hoping against Portugal that the US can keep that same shape defensively, but push Bradley and the flanks higher, similar to what they did against Nigeria where they had an almost perfect balance on both sides of the ball.
El Floppo
Footballguy
and well thought out tactical shape.
not rocket science here, folks, and not a miracle.
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
1. I think Beckerman bears a little responsibility for failing to get the ball to Bradley in good situations; no, I still think the formation fits our strengths, and I think it will show better on Sunday; switching now made as much sense as anytime, with nearly a month of time together to work on the new formation. Holland made a late switch to the 3-5-2 to great effect.2. They are somewhat interchangeable for me. I thought Zusi would get the start because of his set piece ability. With Jozy out, Bedoyas style of play on offense may fit better with bacon/Wondo leaving Zusi to come on as a sub
3. I don't think it will matter, CR7 was playing all across the field yesterday. If he perceives the weakness is our back left, he'll make it over there. I'd leave it as is.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Bedoya IS pretty ineffective. BUT... he can run- and run quickly with a purpose. Seems to me, JK has him in there to do just that and hope that he can play the occasional smart pass or cross.
eta: I think he keeps him in there to help cover Ronaldo and uses Zusi as a sub.
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Offa
Footballguy
Anyway, USA did the bare minimum necessary to still be in with a chance of qualifying. But IMO Portugal will destroy them. Pepe and Coentrao out is good, but the US were hardly threatening on the counter so I'm not sure how much those defensive absences will matter. The biggest thing to take from the Portugal-Germany game is that Ronaldo looked 100% fit, and if I were American that would terrify me. The US defence had enough trouble with Asamoah Gyan.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I think it was pointed out that shots on goal were essentially equal- a much better indication of whether a game is being dominated by one team or not.
Yes, we'd all like the US to be Brazil and control the game going forward. But If the game plan fo rthe US team is to pack the middle, counter and win set pieces... and the game occurs almost exactly like that- I don't see where the luck is.
El Floppo
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
IMO, he's been the best US player in the games leading up tot eh WC.
Less exciting being forced to defend all game, but agree that he did well.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Those are pretty damn good rankings. I wouldn't have Australia at teh bottom... but that's a minor quibble.
El Floppo
Footballguy
So I watched the games with a bunch of my college team alums. Saw my teammate who is now an exec with the NY Cosmos. I asked him what he thought about Landon being left off the team. He said that what he'd heard is that is was a locker-room/ team-chemistry thing- which is something (he says) isn't new for LD.
I had assumed it was a clash of culture/personalities between him and JK.
I had assumed it was a clash of culture/personalities between him and JK.
Worm
slimy ninja
He made a really nice move in the box area in the second half, but I couldn't understand why he didn't let one rip.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Didn't mean to re-start the Donovan stuff. We were discussing the overall thoughts on JK. IMO, the whole situation makes him look bad. Obviously we won last night and have a chance to do well, but he still handled it the wrong way.
I've never been some huge Donovan fan. I thought it was weak of him to stay in MLS for basically his whole career and I thought his sabbatical during qualifying was ridiculous. Never been into his whole "its so hard to be a soccer player" act.
But I still think it was bush league of JK to bring him into camp and then unceremoniously cut him on a Wednesday afternoon under the ridiculous premise that Brad Davis and Julian Green were better players.
I've never been some huge Donovan fan. I thought it was weak of him to stay in MLS for basically his whole career and I thought his sabbatical during qualifying was ridiculous. Never been into his whole "its so hard to be a soccer player" act.
But I still think it was bush league of JK to bring him into camp and then unceremoniously cut him on a Wednesday afternoon under the ridiculous premise that Brad Davis and Julian Green were better players.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
I woke up and was still more annoyed with the game than happy about it. Glad to have the three points and be more than a little alive to get out of a tough group, but our midfield was terrible with the ball and it reminded me too much of 'the old days' when the US could only hope to bunker and steal the odd goal against a good team.
The defense was actually pretty solid, but we didn't look like we knew how to play the game and no one watching that game came away thinking "man, the US really has improved over the years". Which kind of sucks since it's true and this team is capable of a lot more.
I'm looking at you, Michael Bradley.
The defense was actually pretty solid, but we didn't look like we knew how to play the game and no one watching that game came away thinking "man, the US really has improved over the years". Which kind of sucks since it's true and this team is capable of a lot more.
I'm looking at you, Michael Bradley.
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MattFancy
Footballguy
Seemed like he was very tentative with the ball last night. He looked lost out there at times.
Premier
Footballguy
Davis and especially Green are likely to make the team better in 2018. Sometimes you have to offer the supremely talented player a spot on the bus when he has other options. I'm not sure why this is lost on you.
Jurgen is playing the long game here as well and it's very smart to do.
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
Just curious, when is the right time to cut the last 7 players?
As for the timing, the lockerroom issues that Floppo alluded to, may have played a role, I had heard that some of the practice sessions were starting to get contentious, as nerves were high from people competing for the 23 spots - no specifics that it related to LD, just a notion that it played a role in the timing to make the cuts when they did.
I don't see cutting Donovan as any kind of stain on Klinsmann. I understand those who thought Donovan should be on this team, but I trust JK to make those tough calls. Given the formation and tactics we are using, Donovan was not going to be a great fit on this team. JK was right to exclude him from the wide midfield role, that position is more defensive than offensive, and does not play to Donovan's strengths. I think JK wants the ball to go through Bradley as the playmaker, and not use a wide midfielder for that role. I could see a case where the US should play Bradley in the Beckerman role, and LD could have played up top, but Klinsmann sees it differently and clearly wants Bradley up top putting pressure on the ball looking to create the turnover, and quick counter attack - can't say he is wrong, nor would I say that Donovan can fill that role as well as Bradley can right now.
Once you remove the midfield positions, you are left with the forward positions, and realistically you are talking about a backup to Dempsey, who came into camp as the captain, and on great form. So, we are getting bent out of shape because Klinsmann did not keep a backup who would not play absent a significant injury?
I'd also like to give credit to Dempsey, Howard, Bradley and the rest of the players on the team. At the time of the cuts, and the inclusion of some surprise players, there was conversation, mostly media driven, about how these decisions would play on the team. I don't doubt that the players did not agree with all of the decisions, but this team is so much more professional and mature than the '98 team, which also faced some team chemistry questions, that it is like night and day. I think the team leaders and the other players deserve credit for accepting the decisions and focusing on the task at hand, with the players on hand.
As for the timing, the lockerroom issues that Floppo alluded to, may have played a role, I had heard that some of the practice sessions were starting to get contentious, as nerves were high from people competing for the 23 spots - no specifics that it related to LD, just a notion that it played a role in the timing to make the cuts when they did.
I don't see cutting Donovan as any kind of stain on Klinsmann. I understand those who thought Donovan should be on this team, but I trust JK to make those tough calls. Given the formation and tactics we are using, Donovan was not going to be a great fit on this team. JK was right to exclude him from the wide midfield role, that position is more defensive than offensive, and does not play to Donovan's strengths. I think JK wants the ball to go through Bradley as the playmaker, and not use a wide midfielder for that role. I could see a case where the US should play Bradley in the Beckerman role, and LD could have played up top, but Klinsmann sees it differently and clearly wants Bradley up top putting pressure on the ball looking to create the turnover, and quick counter attack - can't say he is wrong, nor would I say that Donovan can fill that role as well as Bradley can right now.
Once you remove the midfield positions, you are left with the forward positions, and realistically you are talking about a backup to Dempsey, who came into camp as the captain, and on great form. So, we are getting bent out of shape because Klinsmann did not keep a backup who would not play absent a significant injury?
I'd also like to give credit to Dempsey, Howard, Bradley and the rest of the players on the team. At the time of the cuts, and the inclusion of some surprise players, there was conversation, mostly media driven, about how these decisions would play on the team. I don't doubt that the players did not agree with all of the decisions, but this team is so much more professional and mature than the '98 team, which also faced some team chemistry questions, that it is like night and day. I think the team leaders and the other players deserve credit for accepting the decisions and focusing on the task at hand, with the players on hand.
El Floppo
Footballguy
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
El Floppo
Footballguy
Davis? He's 33 and OLDER than Donovan. He might make the commentary from the booth better in 2018, but that's as close to the field as he's going to get.
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
Doesn't some of this depend on how many points the U.S. has, and what happens in Group H? I would imagine that the advancing teams would prefer to avoid Belgium, which seems like the only top team in that group. If it looks like Belgium is going to win Group H, then I have to think Germany would prefer to win Group G and face South Korea/Russia/Algeria. Not that the Germans are scared of Belgium, but it still seems like the right play to try to win against the U.S. and get an easier first game in the knockout round.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Not going to rehash the Donovan debate, but I will say he's going to struggle as an analyst. "And now we go to the man with the least amount of charisma alive".
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
Yup, I watched it with my daughters and they were jumping up and down screaming after the Brooks goal. They have never ever ever done that for any sporting event. They don't give a crap about sports. I actually had trouble sleeping last night because I was still excited about the game. Sad but true.
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
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