***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

CONCACRAP is in full bloom.

There is no way teams can win with players from Liga MX, MLS, or the Costa Rican first division. Only players from European leagues are good

 

[QuizGuy66]

Again I recall a year like '94 where 7 of the final 8 teams were UEFA (all 7 lost out to Brazil of course). For them to possibly have only 4 of 16 would be amazing.

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

Hey Mexico

You're welcome

Murica

Darn-tootin.

 

[B Maverick]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez. Tim Cahill might have scored the best goal in the tournament so far.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Klinsman's comment when Dempsy and Bradley moved to the MLS was that their speed of thought would decrease. In the MLS you dont have to think as fast. If you watch (other then the Portugal game) our 1 and 2 touch play is slower then others even though its 1 and 2 touch. We also seem to look for the next pass not the 2nd or 3rd pass down the line. This is one of the things that separates the elite from the good.

Speed of thought is very important obviously but it is only one component.

Dempsey was playing like crap until he came back to MLS and found his love of the game again through his creativity which had been reduced down to almost nothing in Europe.

Jozy moved up to a higher speed of thought league from Holland to the EPL and it hardly helped his game.

Besler deciding to stay in MLS was obviously positive for him.

There are many components that go into a players ability. What league he plays in is just one part of a big puzzle IMO.

I agree. But playing in better leagues with better teammates and vs better competition forces your mid to play at a higher speed. Not always but still is a piece.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Now that Croatia needs 4 they suddenly show up and get the 1st one.

-QG

 

[B Maverick]

Chicharito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Christo]

Jelavic called him a puto

 

[B Maverick]

Think about the 2 goals Mexico had incorrectly called back vs Cameroon?

 

[Spartans Rule]

You know, if we don't score against Panama, not only does Mexico miss the World Cup, but it's possible they don't hire Herrera either. He was interim at first, and the reasoning for picking him was mostly that as Club America coach he was the best choice to quickly throw together an all-domestic team for the New Zealand playoff. Turns out he was the guy they needed all along.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Think about the 2 goals Mexico had incorrectly called back vs Cameroon?

Plus the blatant Croatian handball in the box they missed in this game.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Mexico consistency continues. This now marks the 6th straight WC they have advanced from the group stage.

But in the previous 5, they have been knocked out in the second round and have to face a tough Holland this time around.

 

[B Maverick]

Think about the 2 goals Mexico had incorrectly called back vs Cameroon?

Plus the blatant Croatian handball in the box they missed in this game.

2 blatant hand balls by Croatia, one in the box. PK and maybe a red?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez. Tim Cahill might have scored the best goal in the tournament so far.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Klinsman's comment when Dempsy and Bradley moved to the MLS was that their speed of thought would decrease. In the MLS you dont have to think as fast. If you watch (other then the Portugal game) our 1 and 2 touch play is slower then others even though its 1 and 2 touch. We also seem to look for the next pass not the 2nd or 3rd pass down the line. This is one of the things that separates the elite from the good.

Speed of thought is very important obviously but it is only one component.

Dempsey was playing like crap until he came back to MLS and found his love of the game again through his creativity which had been reduced down to almost nothing in Europe.

Jozy moved up to a higher speed of thought league from Holland to the EPL and it hardly helped his game.

Besler deciding to stay in MLS was obviously positive for him.

There are many components that go into a players ability. What league he plays in is just one part of a big puzzle IMO.

I agree. But playing in better leagues with better teammates and vs better competition forces your mid to play at a higher speed. Not always but still is a piece.

Agreed. MLS still has decades of improvement to go through in this area.

 

[NewlyRetired]

You know, if we don't score against Panama, not only does Mexico miss the World Cup, but it's possible they don't hire Herrera either. He was interim at first, and the reasoning for picking him was mostly that as Club America coach he was the best choice to quickly throw together an all-domestic team for the New Zealand playoff. Turns out he was the guy they needed all along.

How was this team so bad for so long in qualifying? It is mind blowing.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Goals by league -update

EPL - 22

Bundesliga - 20

La Liga - 16

Serie A - 10

Ligue 1 - 8

Liga MX - 5

MLS - 4

Primeira Liga - 4

Eredivisie - 3

Brasileiro - 3

Russian Premier - 2

English Championship - 1

Argentine Primera - 1

Belgian Pro - 1

K League - 1

Honduran Liga Nacional - 1

UAE Arabian Gulf League - 1

Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 - 1

Turkish Süper Lig - 1

Own goal (La Liga) -1

Own goal (Honduran Liga Nacional) - 1

Own goal (Bundesliga) - 1

 

[B Maverick]

You know, if we don't score against Panama, not only does Mexico miss the World Cup, but it's possible they don't hire Herrera either. He was interim at first, and the reasoning for picking him was mostly that as Club America coach he was the best choice to quickly throw together an all-domestic team for the New Zealand playoff. Turns out he was the guy they needed all along.

How was this team so bad for so long in qualifying? It is mind blowing.

amazing what coaching and tactics can do. Also getting the right mix of players...

David Moyes vs Herb Brooks

 

[QuizGuy66]

You know, if we don't score against Panama, not only does Mexico miss the World Cup, but it's possible they don't hire Herrera either. He was interim at first, and the reasoning for picking him was mostly that as Club America coach he was the best choice to quickly throw together an all-domestic team for the New Zealand playoff. Turns out he was the guy they needed all along.

How was this team so bad for so long in qualifying? It is mind blowing.

Arrogance.

-QG

 

[NewlyRetired]

Updated

Confederation Records So Far*: W-D-L (points per game)

South America: 10-1-3 (2.2)

Africa: 3-2-6 (1.0)

UEFA: 7-4-8 (1.3)

Concacaf: 5-2-2 (1.9)

Asia: 0-3-6 (0.3)

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

Of Africa's 3 wins, 2 came against Asia.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Food for thought:

in 2010 there were 10 games in rounds 1&2 decided by 2+ goals, and 3 (of 16) in the final set of games. Only 1 - against North Korea was decided by 3 goals.

In 2014 there have been 10 games decided by 2+ goals. It is hard at this stage to win a game by 2+ goals. So, even a pair of 2-0 games in Group G - with Portugal beating Ghana - would not be enough to eliminate the US. So, I think we are generally rooting for Portugal to win - by 1 or 2 goals....

All 4 of todays games were decided by 2+ goals.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Updated

Confederation Records So Far*: W-D-L (points per game)

South America: 10-1-3 (2.2)

Africa: 3-2-6 (1.0)

UEFA: 7-4-8 (1.3)

Concacaf: 5-2-2 (1.9)

Asia: 0-3-6 (0.3)

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

Of Africa's 3 wins, 2 came against Asia.

While that's true about Africa, when the politics of allotment come up if they get 3 teams through that's all that folks we'll talk about.

Believe me the results of this year will be enough to keep us at 3.5. They are not gonna grab spots from Asia. I don't see it.

-QG

 

[otello]

Jelavic called him a puto Pepsi

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Updated

Confederation Records So Far*: W-D-L (points per game)

South America: 10-1-3 (2.2)

Africa: 3-2-6 (1.0)

UEFA: 7-4-8 (1.3)

Concacaf: 5-2-2 (1.9)

Asia: 0-3-6 (0.3)

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

Of Africa's 3 wins, 2 came against Asia.

While that's true about Africa, when the politics of allotment come up if they get 3 teams through that's all that folks we'll talk about.Believe me the results of this year will be enough to keep us at 3.5. They are not gonna grab spots from Asia. I don't see it.

-QG

While a half spot extra would be nice, I actually think the current allotments are pretty fair, as long as they continue to rotate the intercontinental playoff matchups (ie we avoid S America 2 out of every 3 cycles).

Plus, if concacaf moved to four this time, they would've scrapped the hex for two qualifying groups. I like the hex more.

 

[Premier]

Good for Mexico and good for CONCACAF. I'd like to think my lunchtime burrito helped.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Updated

Confederation Records So Far*: W-D-L (points per game)

South America: 10-1-3 (2.2)

Africa: 3-2-6 (1.0)

UEFA: 7-4-8 (1.3)

Concacaf: 5-2-2 (1.9)

Asia: 0-3-6 (0.3)

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

Of Africa's 3 wins, 2 came against Asia.

While that's true about Africa, when the politics of allotment come up if they get 3 teams through that's all that folks we'll talk about.Believe me the results of this year will be enough to keep us at 3.5. They are not gonna grab spots from Asia. I don't see it.

-QG

While a half spot extra would be nice, I actually think the current allotments are pretty fair, as long as they continue to rotate the intercontinental playoff matchups (ie we avoid S America 2 out of every 3 cycles).

Plus, if concacaf moved to four this time, they would've scrapped the hex for two qualifying groups. I like the hex more.

I love the hex too. It plays to the US strengths. I would not want two final groups of 4 with top 2 advancing as I think it presents more risk for the top teams since it is harder to correct a poor start.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Good for Mexico and good for CONCACAF. I'd like to think my lunchtime burrito helped.

I celebrated world cup by eating lunch at Del Taco.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Chicharito giving props to CONCACAF (CR and USA) re: question about Mexico's qualifying campaign.

 

[El Floppo]

Question for Andy - but really anyone who follows MLS - do you think playing in MLS hurts players like Bradley, and other midfielders, and even defenders?

I guess where I am going with this, is how much time do they typically have on the ball in MLS? My suspicion is, relative to the European leagues, MLS players face less pressure, and have more time to make decisions. I wonder how that impacts his/their preparation to play against internationals. It seems that the lack of reps in the high pressure environment makes it more difficult to make those plays in WC games.

I think this is probably a bigger impact, if at all, on players likely to handle the ball more frequently - Bradley, Beckerman, and both center backs.

MLS tends to be pretty fast, high-pressure.

The major difference is in quality of players pressing.

The commonly stated problem with players coming back to MLS is that they're surrounded by good professionals, not world class professionals. The day-in, day-out training and playing with and against the best in the world that the top 4 leagues sees, makes the players better. Of course, if they're not getting PT, that doesn't hold up as much.

This is how I would have answered this. Nicely said Floppo.My mind has not really changed much over the last few years. If you can find steady minutes in one of the top 5 leagues in Europe, your development there is likely to be better than in MLS.

If you are not seeing steady minutes or are not in one of the top 5 leagues, I don't see the development curve being much different than MLS (or Liga MX for that matter).

I think the MLS players have looked good this WC. Zusi, Dempsey, Besler, and Beckerman have all performed up to or beyond expectations IMO. I think even Yedlin in a high pressure situation did well yesterday.

One could also argue that Costa Ricas best defender has been the Columbus Crew's Giancarlo Gonzalez. Tim Cahill might have scored the best goal in the tournament so far.

Bradley has not played even close to expectations (mine were high) but then again he has only been in MLS for 2 months so I doubt the league has had any affect one way or another on him. Cameron has also not had a great WC but I don't blame the EPL for that either.

Klinsman's comment when Dempsy and Bradley moved to the MLS was that their speed of thought would decrease. In the MLS you dont have to think as fast. If you watch (other then the Portugal game) our 1 and 2 touch play is slower then others even though its 1 and 2 touch. We also seem to look for the next pass not the 2nd or 3rd pass down the line. This is one of the things that separates the elite from the good.

Speed of thought is very important obviously but it is only one component.

Dempsey was playing like crap until he came back to MLS and found his love of the game again through his creativity which had been reduced down to almost nothing in Europe.

Jozy moved up to a higher speed of thought league from Holland to the EPL and it hardly helped his game.

Besler deciding to stay in MLS was obviously positive for him.

There are many components that go into a players ability. What league he plays in is just one part of a big puzzle IMO.

I agree. But playing in better leagues with better teammates and vs better competition forces your mid to play at a higher speed. Not always but still is a piece.

Agreed. MLS still has decades of improvement to go through in this area.

yeah agree.

the problem I see with MLS- they're playing fast, guys running around like crazy- but there aren't enough guys who have the ability to read the game and make those quick decisions... and it takes more than one. the advantage of practicing and playing in a league where everybody is already there- you get guys making the third run before the first pass is even made because they understand the scenarios around each play and can make the moves in advance. And at it's best, you get the whole team doing it... ala Barca of the last few years.

 

[BassNBrew]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

Expected this response after you got owned.

LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE A TROLL!

Still reeling I see.

 

[rockaction]

Good for Mexico and good for CONCACAF. I'd like to think my lunchtime burrito helped.

I celebrated world cup by eating lunch at Del Taco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXLu9Rz70g&feature=kp

 

[Christo]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

Expected this response after you got owned.

LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE A TROLL!

Still reeling I see.

No, your trolling is quite underwhelming.

 

[BassNBrew]

Errr... I assume it's trolling.

No one is really this stupid, right?

I think it's pretty courageous to have such a strong opinion with little knowledge of the subject at hand. We have a lot of brave newcomers in this thread.

I don't get it....do soccer fans in this country want Americans to embrace the sport or just leave it the hell alone? Mixed messages being sent. Complain that soccer is the red headed step child here for decades, then complain when newcomers chime in with their thoughts. There's a learning curve for new fans to any sport. Labeling observations of the new followers as 'ignorant' or calling their criticisms 'invalid' because they aren't sophisticated fans does not do the sport of soccer any favors here.

This is the exact same thing women have done. They #####ed for years about joining the boys' club. But as soon as they get in they start #####ing about how it should be changed. We're talkin about a game that has slowly evolved over 100 years. Take a little time to appreciate it and actually understand what's going on before insisting that it has to be changed.

Glad they haven't done anything to ruin the integrity of the game over the last 100 years like change the offsides rule or goalkeepers use of hands otherwise you would really be upset.

Hi troll

Expected this response after you got owned.

LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE A TROLL!

Still reeling I see.

No, your trolling is quite underwhelming.

 

[Celph Titled]

Really good breakdown of qualification scenarios for US

 

[Keith R]

So US situation (I'm sure this has been posted, but its for my sake):

Win vs Germany = win the group

Tie vs Germany = through as 2nd place (they have greater goal differential)

Loss vs Germany + Portugal win = we go through if the combined goal differential is less than 5. If it is equal to 5, then it goes to total goals scored which we lead 4-2 right now. Portugal win means we are likely through even with a loss, but there is a slim chance this knocks us.

Loss vs Germany + Ghana win = we go through if the combined goal differential is 2. If the combined differential is more than 2 than we are out. This is the most probable way we get knocked out.

A loss for Germany really doesn't put them at risk unless the US blows them out (unlikely) or the other game is a blowout (unlikely). They are likely through despite the game results.

Is the bolded absolutely correct? I thought if we lose by 1, Ghana wins by 1, and outscores us by 2, we are out. Is that incorrect? Please advise.

TIA

 

[BassNBrew]

Can we petition mgmt to get a pinned post at the top of the forum with the qualification scenarios for the US?

 

[bagger]

The whole strategy of both the us and Germany getting a tie means advancing is pretty fascinating from a game theory standpoint as to how they play on Thursday.

No incentive to ever be aggressive for either team as if you don't score you open yourself to the counter attack.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So US situation (I'm sure this has been posted, but its for my sake):

Win vs Germany = win the group

Tie vs Germany = through as 2nd place (they have greater goal differential)

Loss vs Germany + Portugal win = we go through if the combined goal differential is less than 5. If it is equal to 5, then it goes to total goals scored which we lead 4-2 right now. Portugal win means we are likely through even with a loss, but there is a slim chance this knocks us.

Loss vs Germany + Ghana win = we go through if the combined goal differential is 2. If the combined differential is more than 2 than we are out. This is the most probable way we get knocked out.

A loss for Germany really doesn't put them at risk unless the US blows them out (unlikely) or the other game is a blowout (unlikely). They are likely through despite the game results.

Is the bolded absolutely correct? I thought if we lose by 1, Ghana wins by 1, and outscores us by 2, we are out. Is that incorrect? Please advise.

TIA

You are correct.

In your scenario Ghana goes through on the goals scored tie breaker. It is the most likely way we will be knocked out imo.

 

[Celph Titled]

The whole strategy of both the us and Germany getting a tie means advancing is pretty fascinating from a game theory standpoint as to how they play on Thursday.

No incentive to ever be aggressive for either team as if you don't score you open yourself to the counter attack.

I think historical shame/moral reasons play a big part on Germany's side, IMO.

 

[Christo]

So US situation (I'm sure this has been posted, but its for my sake):

Win vs Germany = win the group

Tie vs Germany = through as 2nd place (they have greater goal differential)

Loss vs Germany + Portugal win = we go through if the combined goal differential is less than 5. If it is equal to 5, then it goes to total goals scored which we lead 4-2 right now. Portugal win means we are likely through even with a loss, but there is a slim chance this knocks us.

Loss vs Germany + Ghana win = we go through if the combined goal differential is 2. If the combined differential is more than 2 than we are out. This is the most probable way we get knocked out.

A loss for Germany really doesn't put them at risk unless the US blows them out (unlikely) or the other game is a blowout (unlikely). They are likely through despite the game results.

Is the bolded absolutely correct? I thought if we lose by 1, Ghana wins by 1, and outscores us by 2, we are out. Is that incorrect? Please advise.

TIA

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/10354669_10203762974057901_9162155307631570454_n.jpg

 

[Slapdash]

Once I started that tequila flight, Mexico really put it on them.

 

[Slapdash]

CON-CA-CAF

 

[TenTimes]

Good for Mexico and good for CONCACAF. I'd like to think my lunchtime burrito helped.

I celebrated world cup by eating lunch at Del Taco.

Thought this was going to be the guy in the sweater getting in a fight at del taco, but yours was better

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

There's no legend with this graphic and I'm not familiar with how Opta does these, but my guess from just looking at it is that the size of each square represents the quality of the scoring attempt and the xG numbers at the bottom represent the sum expected value of those chances. So Bradley's non-goal is a huge square, while J Jones' goal is tiny.

If my guesswork is right then US created an expected 1.8 goals, while Portugal created 1.4.

That fits my eyeball-driven read on the game that we "outplayed them overall" and suggests that we were somewhat, but not overly, unlucky to get a draw (YMMV if you think Cameron would routinely make a gaffe like the one that led to the first goal).

 

[Bronx Bomber]

That back heel goal from Spain was sick

 

[QuizGuy66]

Search "QuizGuy66 scenarios" HTH

-QG

 

[Zow]

There's no legend with this graphic and I'm not familiar with how Opta does these, but my guess from just looking at it is that the size of each square represents the quality of the scoring attempt and the xG numbers at the bottom represent the sum expected value of those chances. So Bradley's non-goal is a huge square, while J Jones' goal is tiny.

If my guesswork is right then US created an expected 1.8 goals, while Portugal created 1.4.

That fits my eyeball-driven read on the game that we "outplayed them overall" and suggests that we were somewhat, but not overly, unlucky to get a draw (YMMV if you think Cameron would routinely make a gaffe like the one that led to the first goal).

That's pretty cool.

 

[Genedoc]

Five minute video session with Lalas and Ballack breaking down goal that tied Portugal/US match. Ballack was asked how much blame Bradley bore for tying goal. His response was "very little if any." Went screen by screen calling out several of the 6 guys back for ball watching, not properly marking strikers, and communicating poorly who went where. 4 of them float towards Ronaldo/close post. He said at least two of them should have been talking, looking toward back post, and identifying streaking strikers.

 

[Slapdash]

Five minute video session with Lalas and Ballack breaking down goal that tied Portugal/US match. Ballack was asked how much blame Bradley bore for tying goal. His response was "very little if any." Went screen by screen calling out several of the 6 guys back for ball watching, not properly marking strikers, and communicating poorly who went where. 4 of them float towards Ronaldo/close post. He said at least two of them should have been talking, looking toward back post, and identifying streaking strikers.

Ballack nailed it on that segment.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Five minute video session with Lalas and Ballack breaking down goal that tied Portugal/US match. Ballack was asked how much blame Bradley bore for tying goal. His response was "very little if any." Went screen by screen calling out several of the 6 guys back for ball watching, not properly marking strikers, and communicating poorly who went where. 4 of them float towards Ronaldo/close post. He said at least two of them should have been talking, looking toward back post, and identifying streaking strikers.

Ballack has a lot to learn from JoeT

 

[Eephus]

Five minute video session with Lalas and Ballack breaking down goal that tied Portugal/US match. Ballack was asked how much blame Bradley bore for tying goal. His response was "very little if any." Went screen by screen calling out several of the 6 guys back for ball watching, not properly marking strikers, and communicating poorly who went where. 4 of them float towards Ronaldo/close post. He said at least two of them should have been talking, looking toward back post, and identifying streaking strikers.

Ballack nailed it on that segment.

Midfielders gotta stick together

 

[gianmarco]

Five minute video session with Lalas and Ballack breaking down goal that tied Portugal/US match. Ballack was asked how much blame Bradley bore for tying goal. His response was "very little if any." Went screen by screen calling out several of the 6 guys back for ball watching, not properly marking strikers, and communicating poorly who went where. 4 of them float towards Ronaldo/close post. He said at least two of them should have been talking, looking toward back post, and identifying streaking strikers.

Ballack nailed it on that segment.

Yep.

I haven't really said much about it, but I simply don't get how so many think this was on Bradley. Giving up possession happens ALL THE TIME. He was swarmed and lost it well into Portugal's half. Sure, his effort to get it back might have been "lacking". Or maybe he was just dead ### dog tired. Either way, there was more than enough time to get back and guard against the streaking striker. And maybe, even with that, those things happen because, you know, world class players can score goals against good defenses.

If it was as simple as just marking the offensive guys, then we wouldn't hear about Ronaldo's name very much. The fact that he is as feared as he is with other teams knowing he's the guy they have to watch and he STILL can get by them and score or create a superb assist like he did shows how it's difficult to contain a guy like that for an entire match.