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

[NewlyRetired]

UEFA has fined the Danish FA $10k Euros because a fan held up a **** UEFA sign.

The Danish FA intends to find the fan and make him pay the fine.

Lunacy on all fronts.

 

[B Maverick]

So in FIFA's ever growing interest in more game=more money, when do they have the winner of the Euros play the winner of the Copa?

 

[B Maverick]

They won. Against an awful team. They imposed themselves. So bottom line, the two things I wanted, even if it was messy.

The good..
CP keeps playing like the guy who's a tier above anybody else on the field. Love seeing him continue his growth and find his confidence while also scoring the important goals.

Weah was frosty as hell and had that same- I'm better than you and I know it- vibe going all game. Great game from him.

Jedi... See Weah. If it wasn't for CP, my MOTM. Was just destroying guys, and not just with his pace- dribbling, passing, and running by the defence. And so many quality final balls. Great game.

The bad...
Gio didn't have a bad game, but I just don't like the shape the team keeps when he's in the MF with any defensive responsibilities.

CBs... Ream had some shakiness with his passing and decision making which seemed to get better as the game progressed and hopefully some rust sloughed off. Richards, not so much. This pairing is starting to worry me. Way too many genuinely bad giveaways that weren't punished because Bolivia are bad.

Scally too.

Swag... Like gio, not a bad game. But took until Bolivia was good and cooked in the 2md half for him to find his game, rather than imposing it while the game was still relatively in the balance. And it's been a few of these in a row where he's just not dictating things and seems passive. So he's not "bad" per se, just not to his best level that will be needed here.

I agree on CP. He finally looked like he was playing within the team and elevating them, not trying to do it all himself. One of his best ever performances.

Disagree on Weah. His "vibe" you like, I hated. He's to selfish down the wing and his decision making was backwards. He should have been subbed 15-20 mins earlier than he was (mostly he looked tired). But evidently I am in the minority since he's been getting praise and high marks on the post game ratings.

McKinnie had a rough game. Adams showed his importance.

I feel like they didn't know how to close out the game. up 2-0 and they kept going long and the def kept rushing the ball out instead of drawing the press and passing it around. 2 mins to go and Bolivia isn't pushing, just stand on the ball. Pass it around the back. See out the time.

I also disliked the preplanned halftime sub of Adams. This is the COPA, not a friendly. Just so much can go wrong in a half and to do that rubbed me the wrong way. I do get why with Adams lack of playing time lately. Just didn't like it and felt very GGG with his game planning leaving no room for adjustments and all hell breaking loose. It ended well, but still.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So in FIFA's ever growing interest in more game=more money, when do they have the winner of the Euros play the winner of the Copa?

Saudi I would assume. But that won’t be a FIFA game. That will be controlled by UEFA and Conmebol

 

[El Floppo]

They won. Against an awful team. They imposed themselves. So bottom line, the two things I wanted, even if it was messy.

The good..
CP keeps playing like the guy who's a tier above anybody else on the field. Love seeing him continue his growth and find his confidence while also scoring the important goals.

Weah was frosty as hell and had that same- I'm better than you and I know it- vibe going all game. Great game from him.

Jedi... See Weah. If it wasn't for CP, my MOTM. Was just destroying guys, and not just with his pace- dribbling, passing, and running by the defence. And so many quality final balls. Great game.

The bad...
Gio didn't have a bad game, but I just don't like the shape the team keeps when he's in the MF with any defensive responsibilities.

CBs... Ream had some shakiness with his passing and decision making which seemed to get better as the game progressed and hopefully some rust sloughed off. Richards, not so much. This pairing is starting to worry me. Way too many genuinely bad giveaways that weren't punished because Bolivia are bad.

Scally too.

Swag... Like gio, not a bad game. But took until Bolivia was good and cooked in the 2md half for him to find his game, rather than imposing it while the game was still relatively in the balance. And it's been a few of these in a row where he's just not dictating things and seems passive. So he's not "bad" per se, just not to his best level that will be needed here.

I agree on CP. He finally looked like he was playing within the team and elevating them, not trying to do it all himself. One of his best ever performances.

Disagree on Weah. His "vibe" you like, I hated. He's to selfish down the wing and his decision making was backwards. He should have been subbed 15-20 mins earlier than he was (mostly he looked tired). But evidently I am in the minority since he's been getting praise and high marks on the post game ratings.

McKinnie had a rough game. Adams showed his importance.

I feel like they didn't know how to close out the game. up 2-0 and they kept going long and the def kept rushing the ball out instead of drawing the press and passing it around. 2 mins to go and Bolivia isn't pushing, just stand on the ball. Pass it around the back. See out the time.

I also disliked the preplanned halftime sub of Adams. This is the COPA, not a friendly. Just so much can go wrong in a half and to do that rubbed me the wrong way. I do get why with Adams lack of playing time lately. Just didn't like it and felt very GGG with his game planning leaving no room for adjustments and all hell breaking loose. It ended well, but still.

I get your view on Weah. Just feel like the team needs that from somebody other than CP and especially against a weak team that mostly kept to a low block. Also, Weah has looked timid for a while since getting minimal pt with juve. I liked seeing him go for it, even if it didn't always work.

Adams... Needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap until it's important. Up 2-0 against the worst team in the copa...perfect time to keeping bubbled up.

 

[NewlyRetired]

They won. Against an awful team. They imposed themselves. So bottom line, the two things I wanted, even if it was messy.

The good..
CP keeps playing like the guy who's a tier above anybody else on the field. Love seeing him continue his growth and find his confidence while also scoring the important goals.

Weah was frosty as hell and had that same- I'm better than you and I know it- vibe going all game. Great game from him.

Jedi... See Weah. If it wasn't for CP, my MOTM. Was just destroying guys, and not just with his pace- dribbling, passing, and running by the defence. And so many quality final balls. Great game.

The bad...
Gio didn't have a bad game, but I just don't like the shape the team keeps when he's in the MF with any defensive responsibilities.

CBs... Ream had some shakiness with his passing and decision making which seemed to get better as the game progressed and hopefully some rust sloughed off. Richards, not so much. This pairing is starting to worry me. Way too many genuinely bad giveaways that weren't punished because Bolivia are bad.

Scally too.

Swag... Like gio, not a bad game. But took until Bolivia was good and cooked in the 2md half for him to find his game, rather than imposing it while the game was still relatively in the balance. And it's been a few of these in a row where he's just not dictating things and seems passive. So he's not "bad" per se, just not to his best level that will be needed here.

I agree on CP. He finally looked like he was playing within the team and elevating them, not trying to do it all himself. One of his best ever performances.

Disagree on Weah. His "vibe" you like, I hated. He's to selfish down the wing and his decision making was backwards. He should have been subbed 15-20 mins earlier than he was (mostly he looked tired). But evidently I am in the minority since he's been getting praise and high marks on the post game ratings.

McKinnie had a rough game. Adams showed his importance.

I feel like they didn't know how to close out the game. up 2-0 and they kept going long and the def kept rushing the ball out instead of drawing the press and passing it around. 2 mins to go and Bolivia isn't pushing, just stand on the ball. Pass it around the back. See out the time.

I also disliked the preplanned halftime sub of Adams. This is the COPA, not a friendly. Just so much can go wrong in a half and to do that rubbed me the wrong way. I do get why with Adams lack of playing time lately. Just didn't like it and felt very GGG with his game planning leaving no room for adjustments and all hell breaking loose. It ended well, but still.

There is no easy answer for Adams. If you (GGG) want him to play 90 in the quarter finals, he has to be built up.

 

[B Maverick]

Adams... Needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap until it's important. Up 2-0 against the worst team in the copa...perfect time to keeping bubbled up.

There is no easy answer for Adam’s. If you (GGG) want him to play 90 in the quarter finals, he has to be built up.

Oh I get why, and it worked since we were up 2-0 at the half, just don't like going into the game planning to do this. Or perhaps not announcing it would be better.
And perhaps I am being harsh since I feel GGG doesn't know how to adjust his game plan as the game flows. This seemed like another one of those here is what we are doing no matter what.
Still don't like it.

Feels a lot like "I picked the team and brought these players but I can complain that we don't have a replacement for Kalvin Phillips"

 

[B Maverick]

I get your view on Weah. Just feel like the team needs that from somebody other than CP and especially against a weak team that mostly kept to a low block. Also, Weah has looked timid for a while since getting minimal pt with juve. I liked seeing him go for it, even if it didn't always work.

I can get behind this.

 

[massraider]

Given the ridiculous ticket prices, I think the crowds and atmosphere has been decent so far. The Mexico game was unusually subdued though

Yes the numbers are in line with Euros.

Just looks worse because of our massive stadiums.

Up to me, I would sell the lower bowls, and have some system where you are distributing upper bowl tickets to young soccer teams/schools, etc.

Venezuela and Ecuador should have been on East coast, where all the Venezuelans and Ecuadorians are.

Not the end of the world, just feels like missed opportunities

 

[NewlyRetired]

Given the ridiculous ticket prices, I think the crowds and atmosphere has been decent so far. The Mexico game was unusually subdued though

Yes the numbers are in line with Euros.

Just looks worse because of our massive stadiums.

Up to me, I would sell the lower bowls, and have some system where you are distributing upper bowl tickets to young soccer teams/schools, etc.

Venezuela and Ecuador should have been on East coast, where all the Venezuelans and Ecuadorians are.

Not the end of the world, just feels like missed opportunities

We lack stadiums in the 40-55k range which are the sweet spot for soccer IMO

 

[Major]

Weston on the tournament here....

The Atlanta field was awful. There is no excuse for that. But the other three so far have been good imo. Austin and Orlando will be pristine but we need to see how the others look and play.

Given the ridiculous ticket prices, I think the crowds and atmosphere has been decent so far. The Mexico game was unusually subdued though.

Living in Houston, I hate going to NRG for soccer. Way too big and lacks ambience. Really wish they'd host these matches at Dynamo Stadium which is lovely at 22k but would never fulfill these bigger tourney requirements.

 

[El Floppo]

Considering how small Uruguay's pop is, seemed like most of them showed up for the game.

 

[Major]

Considering how small Uruguay's pop is, seemed like most of them showed up for the game.

Think they're the wealthiest South American country per capita and seem to travel well. Off topic but crazy to see how much poverty Argentina has experienced recently with their crumbling currency/economy while their next door neighbor is doing just fine. Think they learned their lesson in the early 2000s to stay out of Argentina's business. Recently went to Buenos Aires and was shocked how much suffering is going on down there. It used to be a dollar was worth 5-6 pesos. Now a dollar gets you a 1000

 

[B Maverick]

If Panama plays like they did yesterday instead of going full Concacaf on the US, they will make a game of it and could cause the US problems. Some talent there if they decide to play.

Uruguay was as expected. Nunez needing way to many chances to get his goal. And diving so far he would miss the pool. A lot of attacking and getting after it. They will give the US backline fits.

 

[Moe.]

It’ll be interesting to see how the US - Uruguay match at Arrowhead goes. Inter Miami - SKC was absolutely electric and one of the best live sporting events I’ve ever attended, so the bar is high. I have been watching everything on delay so haven’t been keeping up with this thread, but there so many tickets available right now it’s nuts. I got two club-level seats, those plus parking were $589. Maybe I am just numb to it all lately but that doesn’t seem too bad.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It’ll be interesting to see how the US - Uruguay match at Arrowhead goes. Inter Miami - SKC was absolutely electric and one of the best live sporting events I’ve ever attended, so the bar is high. I have been watching everything on delay so haven’t been keeping up with this thread, but there so many tickets available right now it’s nuts. I got two club-level seats, those plus parking were $589. Maybe I am just numb to it all lately but that doesn’t seem too bad.

Something odd is going on with ticketing.

24 hours before the US Bolivia game, ticketmaster was showing a TON and I mean a TON of empty seats in the lower bowl in Dallas. But the lower bowl was filled in quite well and there is no way that many tickets were sold in 24 hours.

I am going to be interested to see if the same thing happens in KC.

 

[TennesseeJed]

It’ll be interesting to see how the US - Uruguay match at Arrowhead goes. Inter Miami - SKC was absolutely electric and one of the best live sporting events I’ve ever attended, so the bar is high. I have been watching everything on delay so haven’t been keeping up with this thread, but there so many tickets available right now it’s nuts. I got two club-level seats, those plus parking were $589. Maybe I am just numb to it all lately but that doesn’t seem too bad.

Something odd is going on with ticketing.

24 hours before the US Bolivia game, ticketmaster was showing a TON and I mean a TON of empty seats in the lower bowl in Dallas. But the lower bowl was filled in quite well and there is no way that many tickets were sold in 24 hours.

I am going to be interested to see if the same thing happens in KC.

Doesn’t Ticketmaster also allow for ticket re-sales on its site? I can’t recall if they also have secondary market sales.

If they do, it could explain what looks like empty seats are actually sold - but people putting them up for sale at a profit, or attending if not sold.

 

[Moe.]

I’m also going to Peru - Canada tomorrow. It’s a 5pm start so it’s gonna be a hot one. I did get a little bit of sticker shock with those tickets, hopefully it won’t be empty.

 

[Dr_Zaius]

Glad to see some people here being more lukewarm on Weah, as I feel like he's only been okay for the US for a while now, and that includes last night, so I've been confused by all of the praise he gets in some quarters. Isn't typically able to beat his man, and his vision in the final third is a bit lacking. He can use his speed to get to the backline and fire in a cross, but other than that and the occasional counter, he just doesn't create much in the way of chances. That's probably overly harsh, because he seems like a good teammate and he runs like hell, but his game right now actually reminds me of Robinson's before his recent improvement - he's not really going to hurt you being in there and is a crazy athlete, but he's never going to look like one of the best players out there or really unsettle the defense.

When Dest went down I was on board with the idea to move Weah to RB and try someone else in the front three (Haji?), but Scally has been a pleasant surprise for me so I'm hesitant to mess with it, especially since the CBs now seem like a glaring weak spot on this team. I just hope he's faster than he looks, because I worry eventually his apparent lack of speed is going to lead to a goal.

 

[El Floppo]

Glad to see some people here being more lukewarm on Weah, as I feel like he's only been okay for the US for a while now, and that includes last night, so I've been confused by all of the praise he gets in some quarters. Isn't typically able to beat his man, and his vision in the final third is a bit lacking. He can use his speed to get to the backline and fire in a cross, but other than that and the occasional counter, he just doesn't create much in the way of chances. That's probably overly harsh, because he seems like a good teammate and he runs like hell, but his game right now actually reminds me of Robinson's before his recent improvement - he's not really going to hurt you being in there and is a crazy athlete, but he's never going to look like one of the best players out there or really unsettle the defense.

When Dest went down I was on board with the idea to move Weah to RB and try someone else in the front three (Haji?), but Scally has been a pleasant surprise for me so I'm hesitant to mess with it, especially since the CBs now seem like a glaring weak spot on this team. I just hope he's faster than he looks, because I worry eventually his apparent lack of speed is going to lead to a goal.

Lol.. we watched opposite games last night.

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

 

[El Floppo]

If Panama plays like they did yesterday instead of going full Concacaf on the US, they will make a game of it and could cause the US problems. Some talent there if they decide to play.

Uruguay was as expected. Nunez needing way to many chances to get his goal. And diving so far he would miss the pool. A lot of attacking and getting after it. They will give the US backline fits.

Panama will have zero fear of the US, and they concern me too. Physical, active and skilled guys in the attacking third. They need to close down the guy with the hair and keep those guys as far from goal as possible.

 

[Redwes25]

This is the biggest issue. Ream looks very old and slow but he can still play it out of the back. I have no faith in Richards. I dont think he made a good pass the whole game and had some very bad turnovers that would have killed us against top competition.

Wasn't one of the best chances in the 2nd half out of a great long diagonal ball from Richards to Jedi?

Even that ball was played long and Jedi had to make a tough play to keep it in-bounds and progress the ball. I would not call that a good pass and rather a great play by Robinson who looked fantastic all game.

 

[B Maverick]

Glad to see some people here being more lukewarm on Weah, as I feel like he's only been okay for the US for a while now, and that includes last night, so I've been confused by all of the praise he gets in some quarters. Isn't typically able to beat his man, and his vision in the final third is a bit lacking. He can use his speed to get to the backline and fire in a cross, but other than that and the occasional counter, he just doesn't create much in the way of chances. That's probably overly harsh, because he seems like a good teammate and he runs like hell, but his game right now actually reminds me of Robinson's before his recent improvement - he's not really going to hurt you being in there and is a crazy athlete, but he's never going to look like one of the best players out there or really unsettle the defense.

When Dest went down I was on board with the idea to move Weah to RB and try someone else in the front three (Haji?), but Scally has been a pleasant surprise for me so I'm hesitant to mess with it, especially since the CBs now seem like a glaring weak spot on this team. I just hope he's faster than he looks, because I worry eventually his apparent lack of speed is going to lead to a goal.

Lol.. we watched opposite games last night.

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

Weah is good down the side and getting in behind. I find his service lacking and he often shoots when he should cross. But I do like him on that wing, just needs some development. Not sure there is anyone I would prefer to him there.
Unfortunately his club team playing him as a defender hinders that.

And I thought Scally had a solid game. He isn't the attacking threat Dest is, but he was fine defensively. He will get tested going forward though.

 

[Redwes25]

Glad to see some people here being more lukewarm on Weah, as I feel like he's only been okay for the US for a while now, and that includes last night, so I've been confused by all of the praise he gets in some quarters. Isn't typically able to beat his man, and his vision in the final third is a bit lacking. He can use his speed to get to the backline and fire in a cross, but other than that and the occasional counter, he just doesn't create much in the way of chances. That's probably overly harsh, because he seems like a good teammate and he runs like hell, but his game right now actually reminds me of Robinson's before his recent improvement - he's not really going to hurt you being in there and is a crazy athlete, but he's never going to look like one of the best players out there or really unsettle the defense.

When Dest went down I was on board with the idea to move Weah to RB and try someone else in the front three (Haji?), but Scally has been a pleasant surprise for me so I'm hesitant to mess with it, especially since the CBs now seem like a glaring weak spot on this team. I just hope he's faster than he looks, because I worry eventually his apparent lack of speed is going to lead to a goal.

Lol.. we watched opposite games last night.

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

I personally thought Scally looked shaky in the first half but much better in the 2nd half.

 

[Dr_Zaius]

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

Part of it is surely expectation on my part, as I was worried people were going to kill us down our right side, and that hasn't happened yet. And I agree Scally hasn't done much going forward, although IIRC correctly he played a really nice ball in to Balogun in the first half that was then made a mess out of by Balo.

Which speaking of Balogun, are we going to see Sargent at all? Goal aside Balogun was a bit rough, and Pepi's woes have already been hashed out in here.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I’m also going to Peru - Canada tomorrow. It’s a 5pm start so it’s gonna be a hot one. I did get a little bit of sticker shock with those tickets, hopefully it won’t be empty.

That should be a fun game since it is one of those group stage games that is a must win for each team.

It won't be a big draw given the teams but it is also at Sporting KC's stadium so it should not feel terrible.

 

[El Floppo]

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

Part of it is surely expectation on my part, as I was worried people were going to kill us down our right side, and that hasn't happened yet. And I agree Scally hasn't done much going forward, although IIRC correctly he played a really nice ball in to Balogun in the first half that was then made a mess out of by Balo.

Which speaking of Balogun, are we going to see Sargent at all? Goal aside Balogun was a bit rough, and Pepi's woes have already been hashed out in here.

I getcha re scally. He's been locked at RB for his club in the bundie, so I've been less worried about him defensively and more worried about how/if he can replace any of Dests ability going forward. So far... Not so much, which is disappointing. I was hoping for more competence in timing of runs and ability to link up.

Are you talking about Pepis woes relative to last night? Because he's done great scoring goals on limited minutes for club and country. Last nights misses felt like an anomaly for him. And even last night he got himself into exactly the right spot repeatedly, just kept hitting it right at the GK. For me, Balo still has more upside of cresting opportunities on his own. And Sarge, tough call as he's 3rd in the pecking order. Game dependent vs PAN weight see him instead of Pepi. I kinda thought he was going to sub in for CP last night.

 

[NewlyRetired]

For this cycle, I don't have a ton of worries on the flanks.

Jedi-Pulisic and Dest-Weah should be more than good enough, especially offensively.

Our worry is central. Gio has not yet developed into the 10 we need to attack consistently down the spine. And every one already knows our issues at CB. Balogun's goal slightly masked a pretty poor half by him.

 

[TripItUp]

Croatia vs. Italy a much better game, but Spain is playing the most beautiful football in the world right now. Also, my business partner is Albanian.

Torn here on which one to watch.

 

[Dr_Zaius]

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

Part of it is surely expectation on my part, as I was worried people were going to kill us down our right side, and that hasn't happened yet. And I agree Scally hasn't done much going forward, although IIRC correctly he played a really nice ball in to Balogun in the first half that was then made a mess out of by Balo.

Which speaking of Balogun, are we going to see Sargent at all? Goal aside Balogun was a bit rough, and Pepi's woes have already been hashed out in here.

I getcha re scally. He's been locked at RB for his club in the bundie, so I've been less worried about him defensively and more worried about how/if he can replace any of Dests ability going forward. So far... Not so much, which is disappointing. I was hoping for more competence in timing of runs and ability to link up.

Are you talking about Pepis woes relative to last night? Because he's done great scoring goals on limited minutes for club and country. Last nights misses felt like an anomaly for him. And even last night he got himself into exactly the right spot repeatedly, just kept hitting it right at the GK. For me, Balo still has more upside of cresting opportunities on his own. And Sarge, tough call as he's 3rd in the pecking order. Game dependent vs PAN weight see him instead of Pepi. I kinda thought he was going to sub in for CP last night.

I'm only referring to last night with Pepi as in general he's looked solid for the US, and presumably for PSV although other than bits of their UCL matches I didn't really get to watch them at all. I've actually been half-expecting him to get a start given Balogun's struggles. I only bring up Sarge because he was playing great before he got hurt in the WC, and by all accounts he had a great year for club. So it seems to me if he's healthy enough he should at least be in competition for some sub minutes at some point. ISTM that his play (along with Pepi's to be fair) fits what GGG is trying to do more than Balo, although Balo was a lot less stagnant last night than he has been at times, it was more his touch that was letting him down.

 

[Major]

Croatia vs. Italy a much better game, but Spain is playing the most beautiful football in the world right now. Also, my business partner is Albanian.

Torn here on which one to watch.

I'm having the same debate on which one to watch. Went Italy/Croatia but really want to see Albania sneak through.

 

[Moe.]

Croatia vs. Italy a much better game, but Spain is playing the most beautiful football in the world right now. Also, my business partner is Albanian.

Torn here on which one to watch.

Which game is Landon calling?

 

[TripItUp]

What a glorious ****ing day of football !!

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

That Spain goal against Albania is pretty much my platonic ideal of a goal. Perfectly weighted pass to a forward cutting in off the wing. Finish taken on the run, opening the hips to bury it far post. Like A mirror image of all my favorite Thierry Henry goals.

 

[B Maverick]

Weah electric, Scally worrisome.

But Scallys defense has been decent, even if his movement or ability going forward with or without the ball hasn't. And I don't think speed is too much of a concern, considering he hung with Vinny and the occasional Rodrygo run v Brazil.

Part of it is surely expectation on my part, as I was worried people were going to kill us down our right side, and that hasn't happened yet. And I agree Scally hasn't done much going forward, although IIRC correctly he played a really nice ball in to Balogun in the first half that was then made a mess out of by Balo.

Which speaking of Balogun, are we going to see Sargent at all? Goal aside Balogun was a bit rough, and Pepi's woes have already been hashed out in here.

I getcha re scally. He's been locked at RB for his club in the bundie, so I've been less worried about him defensively and more worried about how/if he can replace any of Dests ability going forward. So far... Not so much, which is disappointing. I was hoping for more competence in timing of runs and ability to link up.

Are you talking about Pepis woes relative to last night? Because he's done great scoring goals on limited minutes for club and country. Last nights misses felt like an anomaly for him. And even last night he got himself into exactly the right spot repeatedly, just kept hitting it right at the GK. For me, Balo still has more upside of cresting opportunities on his own. And Sarge, tough call as he's 3rd in the pecking order. Game dependent vs PAN weight see him instead of Pepi. I kinda thought he was going to sub in for CP last night.

I'm only referring to last night with Pepi as in general he's looked solid for the US, and presumably for PSV although other than bits of their UCL matches I didn't really get to watch them at all. I've actually been half-expecting him to get a start given Balogun's struggles. I only bring up Sarge because he was playing great before he got hurt in the WC, and by all accounts he had a great year for club. So it seems to me if he's healthy enough he should at least be in competition for some sub minutes at some point. ISTM that his play (along with Pepi's to be fair) fits what GGG is trying to do more than Balo, although Balo was a lot less stagnant last night than he has been at times, it was more his touch that was letting him down.

Yesterday's game was the first one I have seen where the 9 was getting service. And decent service at that. Balo had his issues but got the goal. Pepi should have had 2.
If we continue to build on that and get balls into our striker, then we may actually find one.

Balo gave me Hojlund at United flashbacks. Making good runs, getting into good spots and finally getting the ball only to have his touch and feet let him down.

 

[Moe.]

Spain’s jerseys are

 

[Moe.]

I really feel this guy who needs a potty break after 3 minutes

 

[QuizGuy66]

Hungary enjoy the scorelines so far...
-QG

 

[TennesseeJed]

Spain’s jerseys are

Reminds me of scrambled eggs and ketchup...

 

[McBokonon]

Croatia! Modric has his penalty saved but scores soon after.

 

[The Gator]

Wild freaking sequence there

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Up to date odds of winning the COPA:

Argentina 30.5%
Brazil 26.3%
Uruguay 15.5%
Colombia 6.6%
USA 5.7%
Mexico 4.5%
Ecuador 2.5%
Chile 2.5%
Venezuela 1.7%
Peru 1.3%
Paraguay 0.8%
Canaa 0.8%
Jamaica 0.3%
Costa Rica 0.6%
Panama 0.2%
Bolivia 0.2%

ETA: this would seem to suggest we'd rather play Colombia than Brazil, by a mile. Current form be damned.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If Zidane is generally somewhere in that 5-7 position on all-time lists, where do we rank Modric?

 

[encaitar]

Up to date odds of winning the COPA:

Argentina 30.5%
Brazil 26.3%
Uruguay 15.5%
Colombia 6.6%
USA 5.7%
Mexico 4.5%
Ecuador 2.5%
Chile 2.5%
Venezuela 1.7%
Peru 1.3%
Paraguay 0.8%
Canaa 0.8%
Jamaica 0.3%
Costa Rica 0.6%
Panama 0.2%
Bolivia 0.2%

ETA: this would seem to suggest we'd rather play Colombia than Brazil, by a mile. Current form be damned.

This suggests I should find a bookie and lay some money on Colombia. They are in the best form their country has ever seen. Although, Brazil certainly has the more talented squad.

 

[B Maverick]

If Zidane is generally somewhere in that 5-7 position on all-time lists, where do we rank Modric?

That is a good question. Modric is probably underrated for his era, but could provide for an interesting debate amongst the all time rankings.

 

[NewlyRetired]

If Zidane is generally somewhere in that 5-7 position on all-time lists, where do we rank Modric?

so hard to say. Maybe in the 20-30 range?

 

[encaitar]

If Zidane is generally somewhere in that 5-7 position on all-time lists, where do we rank Modric?

It's hard to say. 5 time Champions League winner, huge part of each campaign. Won a Ballon D'Or during the heart of the Messi/Ronaldo period(probably one of the greatest accolades ever). Helped Croatia to a runner's up finish in the WC in 2018. Undisputed starter for Real Madrid through age 37(he wasn't a nailed on starter this year) which shows his longevity.

I feel like if Croatia had somehow found a way to beat France in 2018 he'd be on everyone's top 10 list, but I know I have him easily in my top 20.

 

[NewlyRetired]

It is so frustrating to see how much Italy is dominating AFTER they gave up the lead, where as before they just played as passively as possible to try for the 0-0. Drives me nuts even after decades of following them.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Steven Goff@SoccerInsider
USA v BOL Copa America match Sunday on Fox averaged 3.165 million viewers — most watched non-World Cup match in network history.
Peaked at 4.013 million.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

COPA and "building the game in the US" kind of got lost in the shuffle ahead of 2026, but a deep run by the US here would probably convert quite a few people and drive insane US viewership for the World Cup matches in two years.