2024 Summer of Soccer - Euro's, Copa America, Olympics, WCQing (5 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

 

[Matheson]

Canada could very well beat Columbia and advance despite the -6 points sanction and be a 3-0 team treated like a team that barely squeaked through to round 2. If that happens, it's tough/competitively questionable for whoever has to play them in round 2, right...?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

 

[General Malaise]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

 

[El Floppo]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

Damn... Did the men lose again?

 

[General Malaise]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

Damn... Did the men lose again?

I don't know, I'm just being a jerk. I'm sure the men are great too, this time around.

 

[El Floppo]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

Damn... Did the men lose again?

I don't know, I'm just being a jerk. I'm sure the men are great too, this time around.

Active US men/boys teams have looked good at Oly and U20 wc qualifying.

It did seem an unnecessary and naive jab.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Aussie has been very good for a while now,

Aussies without Sam Kerr - big loss for them.

 

[General Malaise]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

Damn... Did the men lose again?

I don't know, I'm just being a jerk. I'm sure the men are great too, this time around.

Active US men/boys teams have looked good at Oly and U20 wc qualifying.

It did seem an unnecessary and naive jab.

I certainly hope you are right and that the USMNT is better today than it showed last month.

 

[El Floppo]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Germany didn't look good to me at all. Felt like the US could have added more goals and the one the Germans got wasn't overly impressive to me - Naeher was flat footed and late getting to it.

I missed the 2nd half but Sophia Smith is the best woman soccer player on the planet and she plays for us. She's still a baby, too. Swanson, Rodman and Smith are going to be a dynamite for a long time. It's a new era and I'm ready to support it fully.


Too bad our men still suck.

Damn... Did the men lose again?

I don't know, I'm just being a jerk. I'm sure the men are great too, this time around.

Active US men/boys teams have looked good at Oly and U20 wc qualifying.

It did seem an unnecessary and naive jab.

I certainly hope you are right and that the USMNT is better today than it showed last month.

No idea about the USMNT.

The Olympic team has been punching above their weight very well... Toe to toe vs France, creating great opportunities that they didn't finish, and ultimately ceding goals to better players, despite playing them as a team fairly evenly. Followed up with must win vs a very good NZ team and dominated, 4-1. They play Guinea (who NZ beat) next to see about progressing to knockouts.

The U20 team is in regional qualifying for the WC and ran their group the way most non-soccer guys assume US soccer should against "smaller" countries (with bigger soccer histories and tradition). 14 goals for, 0 against and on to a knockout game vs lower seed Guat for a spot in the WC.

 

[Mjolnirs]

We need more points

Imagine that with Redzone now.

 

[zoobird]

The U20 team is in regional qualifying for the WC and ran their group the way most non-soccer guys assume US soccer should against "smaller" countries (with bigger soccer histories and tradition). 14 goals for, 0 against and on to a knockout game vs lower seed Guat for a spot in the WC.

Also worth noting (as someone pointed out in either this thread or the USMNT one) that this U20 team is missing nearly all of our top players in that age group. Not sure to what extent that is or isn't true for the other teams.

 

[SwampDawg]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

And can you put a value on not having to have Rapinoe taking up a spot ?

 

[El Floppo]

I felt like the US women were in a rough group... Aussie has been very good for a while now, and Germany has a history of being a powerhouse. When I saw that Germany spanked Aus 3-0, I got worried that they'd ridden the euro wave towards what is likely a new dominance of the sport. Today's match was going to be a real litmus test for the US and where they might stand in the order of things after tumbling out of the last WC so early.

4-1. Phew. On to the knockouts and looking confident.

Anybody watch? I didn't... Curious how dominant the win was.

I watched the first half and half-watched the second. They were dominant, looked like a different team than the one that played in the world cup last summer. The takeaway for me is that maybe coaching really does matter on the international level.

it does but don't discount some big differences beyond the coach.

Swanson missed the WC and Rose was hobbled during the WC. Those two being fully healthy make an enormous difference in the upper quality of the team.

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

And can you put a value on not having to have Rapinoe taking up a spot ?

Or Alex Morgan

 

[NewlyRetired]

Big day tomorrow

At 1:00pm ET, the US men's Olympic team tries to advance out of the group against Guinea
At 5:00pm ET, the US U20's have their quarter final game against Guat which also serves as the last WC Qualifying spot (win and in, lose and don't qualify)

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Smith and Rodman having one more full year to mature as pros has also made a big difference in their confidence at this level. They looked a little out of sorts last summer in their first big dance.

Rodman looked talented but raw and full of mistakes at the WC. She looks so much better now.

 

[El Floppo]

Still crazy to me that DR qualified instead of all the other usual suspects. Huge for them

 

[El Floppo]

I know it was covered already, but some scenarios for the Oly men:
Win:
If USMNT wins by 2 or more goals, it is guaranteed to qualify regardless of the score in the other game. A 1-goal victory is almost certain to be enough, but it will not automatically secure qualification -- there are a couple of w/l gd scenarios where the U.S. could still be eliminated.

Tie:
Through if NZ draws or loses. Out of NZ wins.

Lose:
If the U.S. loses to Guinea by one goal and New Zealand loses by any score, the U.S. finishes second. If the U.S. loses to Guinea by two-plus goals, they're out.

 

[El Floppo]

Still crazy to me that DR qualified instead of all the other usual suspects. Huge for them

They finished up a respectable 0-2-1.

Would be cool if they could work their way into WCQ discussion.

 

[General Malaise]

I know it was covered already, but some scenarios for the Oly men:
Win:
If USMNT wins by 2 or more goals, it is guaranteed to qualify regardless of the score in the other game. A 1-goal victory is almost certain to be enough, but it will not automatically secure qualification -- there are a couple of w/l gd scenarios where the U.S. could still be eliminated.

Tie:
Through if NZ draws or loses. Out of NZ wins.

Lose:
If the U.S. loses to Guinea by one goal and New Zealand loses by any score, the U.S. finishes second. If the U.S. loses to Guinea by two-plus goals, they're out.

Help me understand. Yesterday, in a reply to me, you said "No idea about the USMNT.".

But then....you mention it here? I'm confused.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know it was covered already, but some scenarios for the Oly men:
Win:
If USMNT wins by 2 or more goals, it is guaranteed to qualify regardless of the score in the other game. A 1-goal victory is almost certain to be enough, but it will not automatically secure qualification -- there are a couple of w/l gd scenarios where the U.S. could still be eliminated.

Tie:
Through if NZ draws or loses. Out of NZ wins.

Lose:
If the U.S. loses to Guinea by one goal and New Zealand loses by any score, the U.S. finishes second. If the U.S. loses to Guinea by two-plus goals, they're out.

Help me understand. Yesterday, in a reply to me, you said "No idea about the USMNT.".

But then....you mention it here? I'm confused.

it was a typo. He meant the Olympic team

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US went small up front today.

Paxton, Yow and Paredes are starting.

Dietz is in for Busio.

Not sure of the formation yet, but looks 4-3-3. They may just let the guys buzz saw up top since none of the three fit a false 9 position.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I know it was covered already, but some scenarios for the Oly men:
Win:
If USMNT wins by 2 or more goals, it is guaranteed to qualify regardless of the score in the other game. A 1-goal victory is almost certain to be enough, but it will not automatically secure qualification -- there are a couple of w/l gd scenarios where the U.S. could still be eliminated.

Tie:
Through if NZ draws or loses. Out of NZ wins.

Lose:
If the U.S. loses to Guinea by one goal and New Zealand loses by any score, the U.S. finishes second. If the U.S. loses to Guinea by two-plus goals, they're out.

All 4 teams have a path to advancement

All 4 teams have a path to be eliminated.

It would take at least a 4 goal loss by France today to begin the path to elimination

 

[NewlyRetired]

really good start here. Guinea can't handle the press so far. Yow has look very positive in his play

 

[NewlyRetired]

nice strike!!

 

[CGRdrJoe]

that was a beaut of a free kick

 

[NewlyRetired]

that was a beaut of a free kick

he got it up and down so quickly

 

[General Malaise]

Didn't realize the US OLYMPIC Soccer team hired our GB @bentley to coach!

 

[CGRdrJoe]

that was a beaut of a free kick

he got it up and down so quickly

oh to be young again...

 

[CGRdrJoe]

France doing their part so far today

 

[berndog]

Yow making it look easy just skipping past defenders

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yow making it look easy just skipping past defenders

Nice to see him taking his opportunity. He has played well as a sub and looks very good so far starting today.

These games have a dual purpose as they are likely to serve as a showcase for the new US coach who maybe is looking to shake things up with some new faces.

 

[NewlyRetired]

so beautiful. Wonderful play all over the field so far

 

[NewlyRetired]

That ball by Aaronson......

 

[NewlyRetired]

I give Metrovic a lot of credit here. I never would have guessed Milhailovic as the false nine at the top of the defensive point would work but it is causing Guinea so many problems.

 

[NewlyRetired]

oh my, on the replay I thought it was a pk...whew

 

[NewlyRetired]

jesus, how many more posts are this team going to hit? I think that is 5 now in the group stage

 

[El Floppo]

I know it was covered already, but some scenarios for the Oly men:
Win:
If USMNT wins by 2 or more goals, it is guaranteed to qualify regardless of the score in the other game. A 1-goal victory is almost certain to be enough, but it will not automatically secure qualification -- there are a couple of w/l gd scenarios where the U.S. could still be eliminated.

Tie:
Through if NZ draws or loses. Out of NZ wins.

Lose:
If the U.S. loses to Guinea by one goal and New Zealand loses by any score, the U.S. finishes second. If the U.S. loses to Guinea by two-plus goals, they're out.

Help me understand. Yesterday, in a reply to me, you said "No idea about the USMNT.".

But then....you mention it here? I'm confused.

it was a typo. He meant the Olympic team

I copy pasted

 

[SwampDawg]

So could the Olympic coach be under consideration for the USMNT if they have a really good performance, say reach the semi-finals?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Chelsea legend Caleb Wiley coming on.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So could the Olympic coach be under consideration for the USMNT if they have a really good performance, say reach the semi-finals?

his name has never been mentioned by any rumors but who knows. He has done a very nice job with a team no one thought had much talent.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Zimm was a titan today.

 

[Desert_Power]

Taking care of business again.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So the US should have every one available for the quarter finals except maybe Busio.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Taking care of business again.

It was clean and professional.

If they absolutely had to, they could have run this score up. The Guinea keeper was so poor under pressure with his feet.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Big day tomorrow

At 1:00pm ET, the US men's Olympic team tries to advance out of the group against Guinea
At 5:00pm ET, the US U20's have their quarter final game against Guat which also serves as the last WC Qualifying spot (win and in, lose and don't qualify)

Half way home........

 

[El Floppo]

Go USMNT!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

It’s funny because Tessman has never quite looked ready for the full senior team to me, but he’s also clearly a cut above this, the very top youth level.

 

[zoobird]

It’s funny because Tessman has never quite looked ready for the full senior team to me, but he’s also clearly a cut above this, the very top youth level.

I haven't watched him play much, but that doesn't seem like a very generous assessment. By all accounts, he was a standout on a team that just got promoted back into the top level of play in Italy. Unless we're judging him purely based on something like two games with the USMNT senior team, that seems like the most relevant sample of play...and better than any 'youth level', even if well below the top levels of play.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Looks like Morocco is next up on Friday in the QFs. They won their group by beating Argentina and Iran, lost to Ukraine.