​⚽ OFFICIAL GOLD CUP THREAD: United States Beats Mexico. Again. ⚽ (1 Viewer)

[encaitar]

More than one of you in here has said it, but let's not overlook it.  The ref tonight was excellent.  In fact, I think it was the best job a ref has done in a CONCACAF final in a long time.

He started off calling everything, which was a bit annoying because Mexico took advantage of it and flopped a bunch, although he didn't fall for any of their dives in or near the box.  However, it curtailed the physicality quite a bit.  Then he let the players grow into the game and it got much more physical in the second half and extra time, but not overwhelmingly so.  Finally, when players started getting too out of line later in the game he was immediately on site with a yellow to staunch it.  

The result was a great game and one that I think both sides will think was called fair.  I have to say I am a fan.

 

[AAABatteries]

Hoppes smirk and glare at Mexico players…even more deuce similarities, along with desire to make #### happen in front of goal.

but yeah…totally agree. Even his defense- fantastic pressing high, with great decisions covering space or pushing to man. But once the us settled back in a block, he was a bit lost. 
 

but he has to be in the next us camp and could be a sub or spot starter for injuries or rotation.

He seems like the perfect guy to maybe play away against the lesser teams - he won’t back down, will try #### and get the boys fired up. 

 

[El Floppo]

Steffen might actually be my #3 of this group.  I'd go...

1. Turner

2.  Whore Bath

3.  Steffen

I’ve seen all three stand on their heads. Steffen more prone to a blunder, but the best with distribution. Turner the worst with distribution, but so consistent here. It’s a tough call.

 

[encaitar]

Hoppes smirk and glare at Mexico players…even more deuce similarities, along with desire to make #### happen in front of goal.

but yeah…totally agree. Even his defense- fantastic pressing high, with great decisions covering space or pushing to man. But once the us settled back in a block, he was a bit lost. 
 

but he has to be in the next us camp and could be a sub or spot starter for injuries or rotation.

I loved this.  He also was talking #### the whole game.  We need this on the US team.  We need a cocky ####### to get under the skin of defenders, especially with easygoing guys like Gio and Pulisic on the wings.  I hope he keeps pushing his game forward because I'd love to see him end up as the starting striker.

Agree that he needs to be on the WCQ squad too.  I think he's a perfect backup right now, given he can play both spots.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

More than one of you in here has said it, but let's not overlook it.  The ref tonight was excellent.  In fact, I think it was the best job a ref has done in a CONCACAF final in a long time.

He started off calling everything, which was a bit annoying because Mexico took advantage of it and flopped a bunch, although he didn't fall for any of their dives in or near the box.  However, it curtailed the physicality quite a bit.  Then he let the players grow into the game and it got much more physical in the second half and extra time, but not overwhelmingly so.  Finally, when players started getting too out of line later in the game he was immediately on site with a yellow to staunch it.  

The result was a great game and one that I think both sides will think was called fair.  I have to say I am a fan.

Really think the studs to the back of the head is a red card.

Also thought he was a bit uneven on the fouls in the first half.  There were some on US players that didn't get called despite the whistlefest.

Having said, it was a clean game and there wasn't any real CONCACAFFING -- he did well overall.

 

[El Floppo]

He seems like the perfect guy to maybe play away against the lesser teams - he won’t back down, will try #### and get the boys fired up. 

I really dig his game. Looking forward to seeing his growth at club level this year. Chip on his shoulder, not shy to deuce it up, and genuine skills and work rate…I’m in.

 

[El Floppo]

I loved this.  He also was talking #### the whole game.  We need this on the US team.  We need a cocky ####### to get under the skin of defenders, especially with easygoing guys like Gio and Pulisic on the wings.  I hope he keeps pushing his game forward because I'd love to see him end up as the starting striker.

Agree that he needs to be on the WCQ squad too.  I think he's a perfect backup right now, given he can play both spots.

Agree completely.

 

[El Floppo]

Wait…they’re showing the replay!?

 

[encaitar]

I really dig his game. Looking forward to seeing his growth at club level this year. Chip on his shoulder, not shy to deuce it up, and genuine skills and work rate…I’m in.

What are you hoping for with him?  Bundie 2 with Schalke or a trade to a top side?  I think he'd dominate Bundie 2 which might give him some #### you confidence up front, but I also want him to be with a better squad and taking on tougher challenges.

 

[encaitar]

Wait…they’re showing the replay!?

####.  I should've turned it off already.  Whelp.... guess I'd better grab another beer.

 

[El Floppo]

Really think the studs to the back of the head is a red card.

Also thought he was a bit uneven on the fouls in the first half.  There were some on US players that didn't get called despite the whistlefest.

Having said, it was a clean game and there wasn't any real CONCACAFFING -- he did well overall.

Agree about the high kick. Easily could have been red.

nuno Flores also took out Williamson really late and should have been yellow…which iirc might have been his second 

 

[El Floppo]

What are you hoping for with him?  Bundie 2 with Schalke or a trade to a top side?  I think he'd dominate Bundie 2 which might give him some #### you confidence up front, but I also want him to be with a better squad and taking on tougher challenges.

He’s only 20…I want him playing, period.

i don’t think he’s a top tier top league level just yet, so if an arsenal or everton gets him, my fear is he’s buried and playing b team or just loaned out eventually.

eta…weah still hasn’t pushed completely though after playing for big teams…like that. Hoping Konrad benefits by his move, as excited as I was having him at Barca

 

[AAABatteries]

Turner, Brooks, Miles, Dest, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Musah, Gio, CP, Zardes

I don’t feel great about Zardes but think he’s earned the shot.

Bench - Steffen, Cannon, Richards, Acosta, Hoppe, Weah

ETA - who am I missing?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

More than one of you in here has said it, but let's not overlook it.  The ref tonight was excellent.  In fact, I think it was the best job a ref has done in a CONCACAF final in a long time.

He started off calling everything, which was a bit annoying because Mexico took advantage of it and flopped a bunch, although he didn't fall for any of their dives in or near the box.  However, it curtailed the physicality quite a bit.  Then he let the players grow into the game and it got much more physical in the second half and extra time, but not overwhelmingly so.  Finally, when players started getting too out of line later in the game he was immediately on site with a yellow to staunch it.  

The result was a great game and one that I think both sides will think was called fair.  I have to say I am a fan.

In the pregame they said he’s just 29 - turns 30 next month. Honduran guy. Tonight was his first big final. 

 

[El Floppo]

Another hoppe plus- he’s good in the air attacking crosses. Needed alongside the current crop of attacking players who aren’t necessarily  

 

[AAABatteries]

One thing we have to assume - Yuiell won’t be ahead of Acosta (hopefully ever again).

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I’ve seen all three stand on their heads. Steffen more prone to a blunder, but the best with distribution. Turner the worst with distribution, but so consistent here. It’s a tough call.

Biggest question on Turner for me is whether he does actually wear eyeliner. 
 

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think I would be ok if GGG decided to start Turner and simply told the CB's to use him only for emergencies when back passing. 

Outside of his feet, Turner did not make a single mistake the entire tournament.  Not even so much as a rebound or a bobble.

 

[El Floppo]

Turner, Brooks, Miles, Dest, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Musah, Gio, CP, Zardes

I don’t feel great about Zardes but think he’s earned the shot.

Bench - Steffen, Cannon, Richards, Acosta, Hoppe, Weah

ETA - who am I missing?

Miles and Robinson both together, eh? Risky, but I like it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not only two straight final wins against Mexico, but both of them were played with insanely pro Mexican crowds.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Miles and Robinson both together, eh? Risky, but I like it.

Antonee

 

[El Floppo]

How did you guys feel about Williamson?

 

[El Floppo]

Antonee

I know.

 

[TripItUp]

One thing we have to assume - Yuiell won’t be ahead of Acosta (hopefully ever again).

The kid must have been lights out in practice to get the run that he did.

 

[Steve Tasker]

LET'S ####### GO

 

[El Floppo]

Not only two straight final wins against Mexico, but both of them were played with insanely pro Mexican crowds.

Btw…I’m pretty sure I heard the puto birds- with infantino in the stands too. Mexico will probably have to play their next game 1 full minute later as punishment. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

https://twitter.com/usmntonly/status/1422053128384438276?s=20

 

[NewlyRetired]

How did you guys feel about Williamson?

I thought he was a step off the pace in the first half (which may be due to how little time he played in the tournament).  I thought he looked a little better in second half.

I can't say he popped off the screen.  But with Musah possibly out for the September qualifiers, some one is going to step up.  I would be fine if Acosta.  His performance should translate from the 6 to the 8 hopefully.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fabulous stat!

==============

Roger Gonzalez

@RGonzalezCBS

Just realized out of all the current continental cup holders, only one qualified for the 2018 World Cup.

Argentina*, Italy, USA, New Zealand, Qatar, Algeria

 

[El Floppo]

I thought he was a step off the pace in the first half (which may be due to how little time he played in the tournament).  I thought he looked a little better in second half.

I can't say he popped off the screen.  But with Musah possibly out for the September qualifiers, some one is going to step up.  I would be fine if Acosta.  His performance should translate from the 6 to the 8 hopefully.

Dammit. Forgot about Musahs injury.

 

[BassNBrew]

Hoppes D needs work. Bello got hung to dry a bit too much. Nips...for how bad his finishing was, provided solider cover for Cannon.

BNB...Zardes is the worst. shouldn't be on the field.

And of course I kid...Zardes has been everything Dike and Sarge hasn't- winning and holding balls. Definitely the guy for the US going forward unless somebody else steps up. 

I really don’t know how Zardes is still running - pretty amazing 

Dude is a freaking machine.  Our press frustrated Mexico's A team tonite.  Put Politic and Gio out there with him with our top midfield and it's a bloodbath.

Lalas saying bring on Dike - I only agree because I think Zardes is dead.

You can throw dirt on Bardes and he's still not dead.  After 119 minutes of PT he still does more than Dike.

Bring in Dike

You don't like winning???

I questioned starting Bello. And then seeing him matched up with Tecatito...did incredible.

But blood man...Zardes. insane howuch he ran, how much he got kicked, how much he threw his body in...and still had some quality on the ball that's been lacking up front for the US. Him and Acosta, just off the charts.

I could be off, but I think he elevates his game with some of the A teams players around him

I think Acosta is going to break the Half Spaces rating record tonight.

I also want to see how much Zardes ran tonight.  It was insane for a striker to run that much.

Zardes definitely slowed later in the second half, but still made an effort.  Not sure I've ever seen a striker run that much and not get subbed off in 120 minutes of play.  I think we have to strongly consider 3 strikers for qualifying and convince them to play like it's a 60 minute game. Really thing Sarge could benefit from this and be very effective knowing he didn't have to conserve energy to play 90.

 

[El Floppo]

I could be off, but I think he elevates his game with some of the A teams players around him

Zardes definitely slowed later in the second half, but still made an effort.  Not sure I've ever seen a striker run that much and not get subbed off in 120 minutes of play.  I think we have to strongly consider 3 strikers for qualifying and convince them to play like it's a 60 minute game. Really thing Sarge could benefit from this and be very effective knowing he didn't have to conserve energy to play 90.

Hope you’re right about elevating his game with those guys. I haven’t seen it yet from him, but I’m ok with what he usually gives at this point.

one of sarges strengths is his defensive and overall work rate…of the things he needs to develop, that’s not high on the list for me.

 

[El Floppo]

Wow. 
 

good night all- incredible win!

 

[BeTheMatch]

Zardes was unreal tonight. Never stopped. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

it is weird how the dominoes fell.

I remember how bummed I was that Zimm got hurt because it meant that I would not get to see Sands at the 6 in the hopes of finding a back up for Adams. 

And then because of the Zimm injury, Sands stays at CB and Acosta puts on the cape at the 6 and cements himself as, at worst, Adams back up and with the 3 game qualifying windows, he is likely to see a ton of time some where on the field.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Zardes was unreal tonight. Never stopped. 

I feel good for him.  He seems a genuinely decent, hard working guy and has spent years as the preverbal punching bag for the Euro snobs and not in a loving way either. 

 

[encaitar]

How did you guys feel about Williamson?

Wasn't AS good against Mexico as he was earlier in the tourney, but that's to be expected.  Struggled a little bit with their press today, but it's the first time he's seen anything like it and he was still better navigating it than Lletget was IMO.  I think the final midfielder spot for a full healthy squad would see Lletget get it over Williamson, just to get some veteran presence in the fold, but with injuries(like Musah's right now) I think Williamson will get a chance to show himself in qualifying at some point and I think he's earned it.

 

[gianmarco]

I feel good for him.  He seems a genuinely decent, hard working guy and has spent years as the preverbal punching bag for the Euro snobs and not in a loving way either. 

I haven't been the biggest Zardes fan historically even though I've never not liked him. I'm also not convinced he's our best #9.

But after tonight and the way he ran his ### off and left it all out there, he deserves a spot on the team and I won't ever complain about him starting unless he goes through an obvious and terrible run of form. Couldn't be any happier that he's a USMNT guy. What a performance tonight and earned everything he gets moving forward.

Thanks, Gyasi.

 

[gianmarco]

And please everyone remember, if you are going to take away any single point from this tournament, it is that no MLS player should ever pull on a US jersey ever again for the rest of time.

Unless they go to Europe

 

[otb_lifer]

fell asleep before the 80' mark, rough weekend 

had no idea of this incredible victory 'til i woke up half hour ago - CONGRATS TO A GRITTY BUNCH OF KIDS! 

️

(is there a "C" team emoji?)

❤

 

[BassNBrew]

Hope you’re right about elevating his game with those guys. I haven’t seen it yet from him, but I’m ok with what he usually gives at this point.

one of sarges strengths is his defensive and overall work rate…of the things he needs to develop, that’s not high on the list for me.

Sarge always seems too be a step or two out of place (USMNT) and IMO has been a weak spot when we press.  I think he has another gear to elevate his his game and that either him or Zardes would be much more effective if they were told in advance that they were getting 60 min max in advance.  Hopefully in qualifying we don't need to burn subs on defense.

 

[TLEF316]

Yeah so much fun last night. I still think Mexico is a different animal with a healthy Jimenez up front (plus they obviously lost chucky to injury) but still an incredible effort for an undermanned team.

No question for me that zardes, miles and turner all put themselves in position to maybe start in September.  Adams is gonna have to be in great form to start the season to make Greg forget the shift that Acosta put in last night. 

 

[gianmarco]

Who not to look at for player ratings (TwinTurbo, that you?)

Apparently Acosta was only a 7.5 for him and Zardes only 4.5 

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Turner, Brooks, Miles, Dest, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Musah, Gio, CP, Zardes

I don’t feel great about Zardes but think he’s earned the shot.

Bench - Steffen, Cannon, Richards, Acosta, Hoppe, Weah

ETA - who am I missing?

Aaronson for one

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Apparently Busio spilled the beans on a Cannon move to Nice last night.

Will be shocked if Acosta and Robinson aren't jetting off somewhere soon.

 

[Ned]

Hoppes smirk and glare at Mexico players…even more deuce similarities, along with desire to make #### happen in front of goal.

but yeah…totally agree. Even his defense- fantastic pressing high, with great decisions covering space or pushing to man. But once the us settled back in a block, he was a bit lost. 
 

but he has to be in the next us camp and could be a sub or spot starter for injuries or rotation.

There was a moment late in the game where he was staring down one of the Mexico players and you could read his lips...

What the #### are you gonna do about it? as he gave him a smug smirk.   

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Saw xG thru regulation were Mexico 2.02-1.32 USA.

 

[El Floppo]

{{{rubbing eyes}}}

I had this amazing dream last night....

 

[Ned]

The effects of winning are amazing.  The contrast of the first few pages to the last few pages are entertaining.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Haiti, Canada, Jamaica, Qatar, Mexico - all 1-0.