***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[El Floppo]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Here's your Group A and B scenarios.

Group B:

Netherlands are 1st with a win or tie, 2nd with a loss.

Chile are 1st with a win, 2nd with a tie or loss.

Spain will come in last if they lose or tie against the Socceroos.

Group A:

Cameroon - are out of it and will be looking for players, on their own and other team, officials, and ball boys to punch and or head-butt all game.

Croatia - make it through with:

1) a win vs Mexico,

or 2) a tie and a Brazil loss (they will win the tie-breaker on superior goal differential)

Mexico - make it through with:

1) a win or tie vs Croatia.

or 2) a loss and a Brazil loss where Brazil's margin of defeat is 2 or more goals greater than Mexico's margin of defeat

or 3) a loss and a Brazil loss where Brazil's margin of defeat is 1 goal greater than Mexico's margin of defeat and Mexico outscores Brazil by at least 3 goals.

Brazil - make it through with:

1) a win or tie vs Cameroon

or 2) a loss and Croatia loss

or 3) a loss and Mexico loss and Brazil's margin of defeat is the same or less than Mexico's margin of defeat

or 4) a loss and Mexico loss and Brazil's margin of defeat is 1 goal greater than Mexico's margin of defeat and Mexico fails to outscore Brazil by at least 3.

1st Place:

Croatia get top with a win and a Brazil tie or loss

Mexico get top with:

1) a win and a Brazil loss or tie

or 2) a tie and a Brazil loss

or 3) a win and a Brazil win and Mexico's margin of victory is 2 or more goals greater than Brazil's margin of victory

or 4) a win and a Brazil win and Mexico's margin of victory is 1 more than Brazil's margin of victory and Mexico outscores Brazil by at least 3.

Brazil get top with:

1) a win and a Mexico loss or tie

or 2) a tie and a Mexico tie

or 3) a win and a Mexico win and Brazil's margin of victory is the same or greater than Mexico's margin of victory

or 4) a win and a Mexico win and Brazil's margin of victory is 1 less than Mexico's margin of victory and Mexico fails to outscore Brazil by at least 3.

So there you go

-QG

Bumping this from 50 pages ago.

And actually fixing a mistake - Brazil are out if they lose and Mexico/Ecuador ends up in a tie. They will be behind Croatia on goal differential. If Cameroon somehow takes a miracle lead it'll be interesting if Mexico and Croatia get a little friendly.

-QG

 

[General Malaise]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

Bradley is getting trashed everywhere it seems.

because... ? he couldn't make the run back at the 94th minute? that goal was on him somehow?

again- I blame JK... I think- seemed like he was waving the players forward to play the high press instead of waving them back to just defend their goal, Or maybe he was waving them back and just was too fried to tell.

Lotta blame to go around but Bradley had a chance to end the game and blew it. Kick that ball into next week and it is over.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I watched that Bradley play a dozen times and can't figure out how the Portugal player got it from him.

Bradley basically tripped over himself. He doesn't seem to handle pressure well.

Seems like there's a QB in the NFL like that but I can't place it.

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

Bradley is getting trashed everywhere it seems.

because... ? he couldn't make the run back at the 94th minute? that goal was on him somehow?

again- I blame JK... I think- seemed like he was waving the players forward to play the high press instead of waving them back to just defend their goal, Or maybe he was waving them back and just was too fried to tell.

well, I guess he missed an open man or two in the first half...then he had his shot blocked with a pretty wide open net...then he turned the ball over and it led to the tying goal in the last seconds.

I think all were kind of unlucky really and not a sign of him being lazy or choking or whatever they want to say, but he was certainly involved in some big moments that went against the team. tough breaks but it happens when you are a central mid and a core player I suppose.

 

[The Gator]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

One of your posts would surely be dumber.

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

 

[HellToupee]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

hell of a sentence . Tell all the FF staff guys here at FBG the same

 

[Christo]

I think in 4 years that Fabian Johnson may be our best player. I see flashes from that kid that are world class. Remember who said it.

The revelation of the tournament.

 

[El Floppo]

I watched that Bradley play a dozen times and can't figure out how the Portugal player got it from him.

Bradley basically tripped over himself. He doesn't seem to handle pressure well.

Seems like there's a QB in the NFL like that but I can't place it.

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

Bradley is getting trashed everywhere it seems.

because... ? he couldn't make the run back at the 94th minute? that goal was on him somehow?

again- I blame JK... I think- seemed like he was waving the players forward to play the high press instead of waving them back to just defend their goal, Or maybe he was waving them back and just was too fried to tell.

well, I guess he missed an open man or two in the first half...then he had his shot blocked with a pretty wide open net...then he turned the ball over and it led to the tying goal in the last seconds.

I think all were kind of unlucky really and not a sign of him being lazy or choking or whatever they want to say, but he was certainly involved in some big moments that went against the team. tough breaks but it happens when you are a central mid and a core player I suppose.

he... gasp...made a couple MISTAKES?!!!1!!

dump the ####er.

and somebody could say he missed the shot- or somebody like me might say he made a great run to get into that position and hit the ball on frame as most of the world class players in this world cup haven't done. it took an unbelievable defensive play to save the goal. but I guess that makes Bradley bad. somehow.

 

[jonessed]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

He had a poor game where he missed an open net and flubbed the turnover in the last 30 seconds.

If the rest of the team had played worse he and Cameron may not have stood out, but that didn't happen.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Certain things going against (at least a blatantly obvious tie):

1) The US generally does get caught up in such shenanigans. This is an inconvenient character trait like our tendency to not flop around injured for 15 minutes after taking the lead. This goes both ways - remember when we knocked Rich Coast out with that late goal (resigning them to the playoff where they lost to Uruguay)? It's not the American fashion to play to draw for all 90 minutes.

2) Winning the group looks like it would be a material advantage for the US.

3) Germany actually has a history with this - it's the reason why the final games of the group are played at the same time to minimize such mutual cooperation situations. They had a very convenient result again Austria in 1982 that saw both teams through: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Germany_v_Austria_%281982%29 - so Germany might be a little more sensitive to protests against a convenient tie than most. The Klinsmann factor goes on top of that.

4) The 2022 World Cup might get stripped from the US if this sort of result were to happen.

5) Because we're Murica

-QG

What do you mean by your 4th point? According to wiki that Cup will be played in Qatar.

With all the proof coming out that he bid was rigged, I thought I heard that it's actually possible that Qatar could lose it.

I mean seriously, how freaking stupid is it to have the WC in the middle of the Middle Eastern desert during the hottest part of the year there in a country with little soccer history and no facilities?

Lots on this in the official soccer thread USA considered a very possible place they move it if they take it from Qatar.

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

I think in 4 years that Fabian Johnson may be our best player. I see flashes from that kid that are world class. Remember who said it.

The revelation of the tournament.

Pin it.

He's been great. Right behind Jones as MoM for me so far, and WAS the MoM in the last couple US games before heading to Brazil.

 

[TenTimes]

I think even if the bottom drops out Thursday the team has shown it's really good. The way this is being set up I think we will find this kind of play will be the expectation and not the anomaly.

as a know nothing non-soccer fan it still feels like US is overachieving, but I probably put too much stock in betting lines and the FIFA rankings, (which at this point make FIFA look like they need a new system).

 

[jonessed]

I think in 4 years that Fabian Johnson may be our best player. I see flashes from that kid that are world class. Remember who said it.

The revelation of the tournament.

He's been fantastic at both defending and providing width. I'm surprised with Jones' play as well. He has really stepped up and shouldered a load.

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

He had a poor game where he missed an open net and flubbed the turnover in the last 30 seconds.

If the rest of the team had played worse he and Cameron may not have stood out, but that didn't happen.

show me the video where he missed an open net please. knocked it clear over the bar, did he? or sailed wide?

 

[GroveDiesel]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

 

[jonessed]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

He had a poor game where he missed an open net and flubbed the turnover in the last 30 seconds.If the rest of the team had played worse he and Cameron may not have stood out, but that didn't happen.

show me the video where he missed an open net please. knocked it clear over the bar, did he? or sailed wide?

 

[El Floppo]

Bradley was everywhere today- mostly clogging passing lanes and closing down the guy with the ball.

Again- a couple of missed plays drops his overall to me as not his best game- but jfc, the need to find a scapegoat in that game for you people is completely FUBAR.

 

[Christo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

He had a poor game where he missed an open net and flubbed the turnover in the last 30 seconds.

If the rest of the team had played worse he and Cameron may not have stood out, but that didn't happen.

Call me crazy. But I saw a Portugal defender on the goal line.

 

[El Floppo]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

 

[TLEF316]

Yup. Fab made himself some $$$$ this week. One more good game (especially against the Germans) could pave the way for a move to a pretty decent club.

 

[jonessed]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

hell of a sentence . Tell all the FF staff guys here at FBG the same

Yeah, this is always dumb.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

he... gasp...made a couple MISTAKES?!!!1!!

dump the ####er.

and somebody could say he missed the shot- or somebody like me might say he made a great run to get into that position and hit the ball on frame as most of the world class players in this world cup haven't done. it took an unbelievable defensive play to save the goal. but I guess that makes Bradley bad. somehow.

well, some of these guys watch 3 soccer matches every 4 years and clearly have expert opinions on the matter.

 

[GoFishTN]

I think in 4 years that Fabian Johnson may be our best player. I see flashes from that kid that are world class. Remember who said it.

The revelation of the tournament.

Pin it.He's been great. Right behind Jones as MoM for me so far, and WAS the MoM in the last couple US games before heading to Brazil.

Sounds like we need another war to impregnate German women. I kid. Sort of.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

No one is to blame here guys. The ball by Ronaldo was perfect and they tied the game up. It happens.

The US played well. I think it could be argued that Jermain Jones was just as likely to fault as Bradley on the last goal. The ball was rolling out of bounds in Portugal end near the corner marker and would have been a US throw in. Jones stops the ball to try to kill time as opposed to taking the US throw in deep in Portugal territory and arguably wasting much more time and maintaining possession. I was saying that was a mistake to my TV when he stopped the ball. Then Portugal defender knocks the ball off Jones and Portugal gets throw in and advances the ball to the midfield and a series of mistakes happen. There was the Bradley mistake in midfield turning the ball over (just dumb), then defender not closing Ronaldo down enough before he plays the cross (small mistake but still a mistake) and then finally defenders losing their man in the box for the header. Great players make great plays and Ronaldo cross was great.

US played well and are a good side. They played much better this game than last. I still think they make it through. I am jealous as a Canadian who has grown up playing soccer competitively both in college and in the USL that I will probably never see my country play at the world cup. I am on the US bandwagon for soccer as it is great for soccer in North America. Go USA.

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

Oh ####### stop. Because we can't do what they do we can't critique? Please. That's the dumbest thing I've read today. Better call all reporters everywhere and give them the memo. Being a fan does not mean you cannot critique poor play when it happens.

But it sounds idiotic if it's just ONE poor play-even if it lead to the goal.

Bradley played a decent game- not his best, but decent, and ran himself literally into the ground.

He had a poor game where he missed an open net and flubbed the turnover in the last 30 seconds.

If the rest of the team had played worse he and Cameron may not have stood out, but that didn't happen.

Call me crazy. But I saw a Portugal defender on the goal line.

you so crazy.

 

[QuizGuy66]

If you had told me we'd be trailing 1-0 at the half would I have signed on for a 2-2 draw at the final whistle?



-QG

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

for sure

they weren't back and prepared like they should have been (which was my initial point), but they did have numbers. seemed like a great cross from Ronaldo and poor form letting the one player who could hurt them get open.

 

[Premier]

I think even if the bottom drops out Thursday the team has shown it's really good. The way this is being set up I think we will find this kind of play will be the expectation and not the anomaly.

as a know nothing non-soccer fan it still feels like US is overachieving, but I probably put too much stock in betting lines and the FIFA rankings, (which at this point make FIFA look like they need a new system).

I don't know players on every single team, but I see a well-organized, disciplined program that doesn't panic. There are some very good young players in place too. It's fun to watch it grow.

 

[El Floppo]

Yup. Fab made himself some $$$$ this week. One more good game (especially against the Germans) could pave the way for a move to a pretty decent club.

IMO, Jones has given himself one last payday and out of the Turkish league with this WC.

I wish them both beaucoup ducats and champions' league play.

 

[QuizGuy66]

No one is to blame here guys. The ball by Ronaldo was perfect and they tied the game up. It happens.

The US played well. I think it could be argued that Jermain Jones was just as likely to fault as Bradley on the last goal. The ball was rolling out of bounds in Portugal end near the corner marker and would have been a US throw in. Jones stops the ball to try to kill time as opposed to taking the US throw in deep in Portugal territory and arguably wasting much more time and maintaining possession. I was saying that was a mistake to my TV when he stopped the ball. Then Portugal defender knocks the ball off Jones and Portugal gets throw in and advances the ball to the midfield and a series of mistakes happen. There was the Bradley mistake in midfield turning the ball over (just dumb), then defender not closing Ronaldo down enough before he plays the cross (small mistake but still a mistake) and then finally defenders losing their man in the box for the header. Great players make great plays and Ronaldo cross was great.

US played well and are a good side. They played much better this game than last. I still think they make it through. I am jealous as a Canadian who has grown up playing soccer competitively both in college and in the USL that I will probably never see my country play at the world cup. I am on the US bandwagon for soccer as it is great for soccer in North America. Go USA.

Well if CONCACAF keeps it up there will be more seats at the World Cup table for us and if some Canadians can go impregnate some Germans maybe you'll be there sooner than you think

-QG

 

[Worm]

You are supposedly a world class player. Control the ball and play it forward.

Doesn't deserve blame? Give me a break.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

People will quit caring about soccer again if they get knocked out.

For me personally, this has me totally immersed back into soccer (played my entire childhood). USA getting knocked out would suck, but I'm in this for the long haul now. I need to find a league to follow after this is all over with.My 7 & 5yr old boys haven't missed a single WC game.

The best part of my week is Saturday and Sunday mornings when wife and kids are still asleep and I can watch EPL in peace with a cup of coffee. I need to find a team to cheer for.

Baggies!

 

[Premier]

If you had told me we'd be trailing 1-0 at the half would I have signed on for a 2-2 draw at the final whistle?



-QG

Also would've signed up for 4 points after two games (3, even) and a pretty straight shot at advancing.

 

[The Gator]

If you had told me we'd be trailing 1-0 at the half would I have signed on for a 2-2 draw at the final whistle?



-QG

Also would've signed up for 4 points after two games (3, even) and a pretty straight shot at advancing.

An error occurredYou have reached your quota of positive votes for the day

 

[El Floppo]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

for sure

they weren't back and prepared like they should have been (which was my initial point), but they did have numbers. seemed like a great cross from Ronaldo and poor form letting the one player who could hurt them get open.

yeah- would have preferred to have seen Cameron get his body on the guy who scored- he had that split-second lapse that gave the attacker the bit of space inside him. but wow- what a cross and what a header.

 

[rockaction]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

hell of a sentence . Tell all the FF staff guys here at FBG the same

Soccer knowledge aside, this has never been a valid criticism.

I haven't said a thing about talent, soccer analysis, or anything but "Oh my!" and "Wow!"

But watching sports and critiquing athletes who can do things most can never dream of is a valid exercise. That's just tough nookies.

 

[Norman Paperman]

I don't think Bradley played a good game. He was better than against Ghana, but his good game was mostly just occasional spurts of good play. He was not aggressive enough pressuring the ball - yes I know it was 178% humidity, but guys like Jones and Johnson found an extra gear when they needed it.

The missed goal opportunity happens, I won't really knock him for that. But the last play was really bad, given the circumstances and stakes. It still took a great cross from CR7, but you just can't be that careless with the ball, and nonchalant afterwards. Also, who was marking the. Portugal forward who hit the header? Have to dig deep in that spot and beat your man to the ball that you know is coming.

He is still a critical piece to the US game, and I think he'll bounce back with a solid game against Germany.

 

[The Gator]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

for sure

they weren't back and prepared like they should have been (which was my initial point), but they did have numbers. seemed like a great cross from Ronaldo and poor form letting the one player who could hurt them get open.

If you were going to earn a yellow card and take a guy out, that was your chance. Take him out and stop the play

 

[jonessed]

You are supposedly a world class player. Control the ball and play it forward.

Doesn't deserve blame? Give me a break.

Howard's really the only world class player on that side.

 

[bryhamm]

some terrible fishing going on.

sucks that US lost in the way that they did. would have been nice to not worry about the last game, but that's why you play until the final whistle.

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

hell of a sentence . Tell all the FF staff guys here at FBG the same

Soccer knowledge aside, this has never been a valid criticism.

I haven't said a thing about talent, soccer analysis, or anything but "Oh my!" and "Wow!"

But watching sports and critiquing athletes who can do things most can never dream of is a valid exercise. That's just tough nookies.

I don't see the validity in making a goat out of a couple of players who didn't have bad games. Bradley's mistake didn't score the goal. It didn't help the US any, but it took a bunch of guys for that to happen. And without Bradley's play the rest of the game... since we're throwing random pointless blame... I'm sure Portugal would have scored at least another couple goals. Why not.

 

[Norman Paperman]

Bradley was everywhere today- mostly clogging passing lanes and closing down the guy with the ball.

Again- a couple of missed plays drops his overall to me as not his best game- but jfc, the need to find a scapegoat in that game for you people is completely FUBAR.

I'll watch again tomorrow, but I thought he generally did a poor job closing down on the guy with the ball. Had some good moments, but more poor moments than good.

 

[NutterButter]

You are supposedly a world class player. Control the ball and play it forward.

Doesn't deserve blame? Give me a break.

He played a much better game, but how the hell do you turn the ball over in that position?

 

[Premier]

This thread must've been hell to read during the game.

 

[QuizGuy66]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

for sure

they weren't back and prepared like they should have been (which was my initial point), but they did have numbers. seemed like a great cross from Ronaldo and poor form letting the one player who could hurt them get open.

If you were going to earn a yellow red card and take a guy out, that was your chance. Take him out and stop the play

Probably would be a red there. Think that wouldn't be the worst idea though (and of course dealing with the inevitable extra minute or even 2 that the ref surely would have tacked on).

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

great freaking game though.

world class ball by Ronaldo. World class diving header by the sub (another sub goal). US should have had numbers back, but oh well.

they did so well to fight back against a goofily given up goal and deservedly put two in themselves.

Aaron pointed out that the US had 8 guys back against Portugal's 6. There were 3 or 4 guys surrounding the Portugal guy who put in the equalizer including Cameron who let him slip behind him.

Bad combo of letting down just a touch and two tremendous plays by the Portuguese.

It was a counter. It wasn't 8 guys back, it was a bunch of guys chasing back- not the same thing as defending in numbers wiht the ball in front of you.

for sure

they weren't back and prepared like they should have been (which was my initial point), but they did have numbers. seemed like a great cross from Ronaldo and poor form letting the one player who could hurt them get open.

If you were going to earn a yellow card and take a guy out, that was your chance. Take him out and stop the play

speaking of yellows...

so guys are flying in late- like SUPER late... Cameron and Beckerman cleaned out Ronaldo way off the ball- no yellow. Nani is hacking guys up and down the field after the ball- no yellow. But Jones- our usual yellow machine- plays a clean tackle, and that somehow elicited a yellow from that ref? wtf?

 

[Christo]

some terrible fishing going on.

sucks that US lost in the way that they did. would have been nice to not worry about the last game, but that's why you play until the final whistle.

Um, they didn't lose.

 

[QuizGuy66]

some terrible fishing going on.

sucks that US lost tied in the way that they did. would have been nice to not worry about the last game, but that's why you play until the final whistle.

Fixed. But it speaks to your point a bit.

And to be honest it's very hard to feel bad at all about the effort by the USA to this point.

-QG

 

[rockaction]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

many people who like to stare at their TV and criticize while not being able to do 10% of the physical stuff these guys do have laid blame, yes. Maroons

hell of a sentence . Tell all the FF staff guys here at FBG the same

Soccer knowledge aside, this has never been a valid criticism.

I haven't said a thing about talent, soccer analysis, or anything but "Oh my!" and "Wow!"

But watching sports and critiquing athletes who can do things most can never dream of is a valid exercise. That's just tough nookies.

I don't see the validity in making a goat out of a couple of players who didn't have bad games. Bradley's mistake didn't score the goal. It didn't help the US any, but it took a bunch of guys for that to happen. And without Bradley's play the rest of the game... since we're throwing random pointless blame... I'm sure Portugal would have scored at least another couple goals. Why not.

I'm limiting my comment to the generalized statement that if your athleticism isn't up to the participants, you can't understand or critique. I have no problem with your analysis, Gator's analysis, others' analysis, and won't analyze soccer amongst those who know it a lot better than I do.