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***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter NewlyRetired
- Start date
El Floppo
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
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Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
They're very knowledgeable and genuinely clever/funny.These guys have been over the top on Watch ESPN. I'm sure their schtick is not everyone's cuppa, but for me its been must-watch stuff over the past month or so.Todays follow-up:Optimism:
Men in Blazers ✔ @MenInBlazers
FollowOn evidence of first 45, it will be Germany getting second place in Group G behind US #VonTrapps #SizeTheDay #Courage
Michael Davies @embassydavies
On reflection, yesterday was a day completely sized.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Had forgotten this:
And maybe this is why he looked the way he did after scoring:
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
For me, this fits perfectly with the attitude you just described. He doesn't care, he's too cool to care, is above it all, having a laugh ...
Sammy3469
Footballguy
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
I guess Pot Palm Wine is the drink of choice for the next Ghana match for those drinking along with the gamesGood spot.The comment section in this article is goldA little taste of the Ghana press for those intrigued by such thingsI think it's a fair-minded assessment.
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.
-QG
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Has anyone seen a serious critique of Bradley's play? More than just the odd sentence I mean?
El Floppo
Footballguy
I know, right?
We like to joke around about him- but his team's decision to pair Beckerman and Jones has looked like the biggest correct tactical decision I've seen the US make... in my (bad) memory.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Agree. Seeing Jermaine Jones fly around the field at a completely different speed than everyone else for 90 minutes makes you realize why he had trouble playing in the "Beckerman" stay-at-home role in the first place. His work rate and stamina were incredible.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Australia had the worst draw of anybody. Much worse than even the United States. They got both of last cup's finalists (Spain and Netherlands) and the 4th-best South American side Chile - who many think can make it out of that group. That's the main reason they are bottom. If they traded places with, say, Iran, they'd probably sport odds around 1000/1.
-QG
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
There's not a ton to say. His passing was off. The US was playing a counter game and he screwed up several counters. That's the type of stuff you notice. In truth, he also did most of what many are praising Beckerman for. He covered the middle of the field very well (the plan was clearly to concede space on the flanks, which strikes me as a sound one).
The early goal caused Bradley to drop deep. That congested the space in front of the back four nicely on defense, but of course, it also meant that the players were really bunched when possession turned over. When Jozy was available, I don't think it mattered as much, because the long diagonal was on. That changed after he went out.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
every grade report I have read has listed him as the lowest rated starter.
I think everyone recognized that he had an awful game and I think we all recognize that we are unlikely to get the draw against Portugal if he plays badly again.
Sand
Footballguy
I KNEW this thread was missing something. And then Alex Morgan appeared. Huzzah - we are complete.
Well, wait, let's review this first. Ok, now we're complete.
I've got no faith in the "Germany B side" scenario. They absolutely need to win the group, and won't rest until that is beyond doubt. Further, their B side is far superior to anything the US can put on the field, but those players will be rested and hungry to prove themselves.
I don't see Germany sitting five guys as a huge dropoff. There is a reason I picked them to win the Cup this year - they're damn good top to bottom. Even resting players I think they're way too much for the US to cope with.
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
I suppose its better than a piss pot....I guess Pot Palm Wine is the drink of choice for the next Ghana match for those drinking along with the gamesGood 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.
-QG
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Landon may the furthest thing from "too cool"
He is an extremely overly sensitive adult. He cares almost too much about a great many things (some of which severely conflict with being a professional soccer player).
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Was I dreaming or did FIFA have the temerity to run a "stand against match fixing" add yesterday?
The balls on these guys.......
The balls on these guys.......
The Gator
Footballguy
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
There are players who fairly serious drop-offs for Germany. I'm an Arsenal fan, and I like Podolski because he's a genuine "good guy" on the team and because he has a truly lethal left foot. But as a true CF, he's a massive downgrade from Muller, who is one of the most underrated players in the world.
And I think Germany hasn't really shown us they can play a true 4-6-0 false nine system. It's a system that is vulnerable to exactly the way the US played last night. Well organized defenses that clutter the middle and let your Gotzes and Ozils flit around the flanks as much as they want to.
If Hummels is really hurt, that's a hard replacement to make as well.
And I think Germany hasn't really shown us they can play a true 4-6-0 false nine system. It's a system that is vulnerable to exactly the way the US played last night. Well organized defenses that clutter the middle and let your Gotzes and Ozils flit around the flanks as much as they want to.
If Hummels is really hurt, that's a hard replacement to make as well.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Sammy3469
Footballguy
That's from ZonalMarking. They make reference to it to, but we were essentially a 4-4-2 yesterday with the 2 sadly acting as basically one player. All along we've said that the US will play "skinny" (which we did). Ghana didn't have the quality in the width to exploit that skinniness...Portugal probably does though like Ghana they like to strike quickly.
Zonal didn't really get into Bradley besides to say he was "surprisingly inefficient", but my guess is he was lying too deep and never had outlets. They thought the forwards and Bedoya all had bad games.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Remember that ratings and total viewers are not equivalent.
The best way to compare is to use the viewership numbers which will come a little later.
I only care about two numbers for a comparison
1) The 19.4 million viewer record for a US game (second round game in WC2010)
2) the 24.3 million viewer record for a soccer game
I don't know if we can catch #1 on Sunday because it is on ESPN but it might be close. #2 is most certain to fall during this cup IMO.
In general the numbers are up across the board (tv and online) so that is positive.
On a slightly negative look, this Cup is where the numbers will peak for a while because of the time slots of the next two WC's.
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CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
I've never met the man and don't know as much about him as you do. I agree completely with your description of the image he has created for himself.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Yep you're not dreaming NR. I, for one, am convinced and now will not fix any soccer matches going forward. I am sure most viewers will not either.
-QG
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I was more talking about them having the temerity to talk about taking a stand against "fixing" things when that is all that FIFA engages in themselves
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The most interesting angle I read about Landon/JK is that this all started way back when JK made Landon his "big" winter signing at Bayern which failed in part because Landon was having problems with his domestic life with Bianca and wanted nothing to do with being in Germany.
Klinsmann was fired shortly after Landon left to come back to MLS.
Ned
Footballguy
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
Please tell me it was on during the Iran-Nigeria match. That would be classic FIFA imo
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I wonder if Duece will have to wear a mask?
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
The one point I disagree with is that Ghana didn't have the quality on the flanks. Atsu and Andrew Ayew are two of Ghana's three best players (along with Gyan). The US just made a decision to give them space away from the goal where they were less likely to hurt them. I think they'll do the same against Portugal for two reasons:
1. You can't prevent Ronaldo from getting behind you, but you can try to make sure he only gets behind you on the flanks, and I'd rather turn him into a crosser and long-range shooter than allow him in the box; and
2. I think Portugal's center forwards are distinctly average. I'll let Besler/Cameron/Brooks or whoever handle crosses from Nani all day and take my chances.
The one difference, IMO, in how to play Portugal is that I don't think Bradley can afford to drop deep and give Moutinho time on the ball. I want Moutinho having nightmares about the Bald Specter who hounded him for 90 minutes in Manaus.
1. You can't prevent Ronaldo from getting behind you, but you can try to make sure he only gets behind you on the flanks, and I'd rather turn him into a crosser and long-range shooter than allow him in the box; and
2. I think Portugal's center forwards are distinctly average. I'll let Besler/Cameron/Brooks or whoever handle crosses from Nani all day and take my chances.
The one difference, IMO, in how to play Portugal is that I don't think Bradley can afford to drop deep and give Moutinho time on the ball. I want Moutinho having nightmares about the Bald Specter who hounded him for 90 minutes in Manaus.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Palm Pot Wine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_wine
A couple thoughts on the 3rd game, B-side stuff. I don't think it's the German sensibility to play for a softer draw if they really think it's in the offing. Also, Group H concludes after Group G. So theoretically it could be Belgium playing soft to a avoid a 2nd-place Germany if that is what happens in Group G.
Probable paths - I would say that winning the group is slightly more favorable overall but you're gonna get Brazil sooner. The 2nd-place path means you get Argentina sooner. Winning the group is a little bit better in that you may not have to worry about facing both Brazil and Argentina
Probable 1st-place path: Russia (maybe SoKo) followed by (France/Swiss/maybe Bosnia) followed by Brazil (I suppose it could be Spain if they pull it together) followed by probably Argentina in the final.
Probably 2nd-place path: Belgium (possibly Russia) followed by Argentina followed by probably Holland (maybe Chile or Italy) followed by Brazil.
Pick your poison - both roads look tough. But I think Germany would play it straight and mostly try just to avoid cards and injuries.
-QG
A couple thoughts on the 3rd game, B-side stuff. I don't think it's the German sensibility to play for a softer draw if they really think it's in the offing. Also, Group H concludes after Group G. So theoretically it could be Belgium playing soft to a avoid a 2nd-place Germany if that is what happens in Group G.
Probable paths - I would say that winning the group is slightly more favorable overall but you're gonna get Brazil sooner. The 2nd-place path means you get Argentina sooner. Winning the group is a little bit better in that you may not have to worry about facing both Brazil and Argentina
Probable 1st-place path: Russia (maybe SoKo) followed by (France/Swiss/maybe Bosnia) followed by Brazil (I suppose it could be Spain if they pull it together) followed by probably Argentina in the final.
Probably 2nd-place path: Belgium (possibly Russia) followed by Argentina followed by probably Holland (maybe Chile or Italy) followed by Brazil.
Pick your poison - both roads look tough. But I think Germany would play it straight and mostly try just to avoid cards and injuries.
-QG
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
What in the name of Sepp Blatter are you talking about?I was more talking about them having the temerity to talk about taking a stand against "fixing" things when that is all that FIFA engages in themselves
-QG
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Belgium may be young, but this lineup looks pretty good:
Belgium XI vs Algeria: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Dembele, De Bruyne; Hazard, Chadli, Lukaku.
Belgium XI vs Algeria: Courtois; Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen; Witsel, Dembele, De Bruyne; Hazard, Chadli, Lukaku.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
The Gator
Footballguy
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
Updated:
Confederation Records So Far*: (W-D-L)
South America: 4-0-2
Africa: 1-1-2
UEFA: 2-0-3
Concacaf: 3-0-1
Asia: 0-1-2
*Europe vs Europe excluded
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
yes!!Just the next World Cup. 2022 will shatter every record.
<;let us hope>
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
That update does not look right. There has been only one draw in the tournament so Africa can't have two. Let me fix it.
chet
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
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