***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

So how many shots on goal did the US team have? Other than the last minute or two, I didn't see any, although I didn't watch much of the game.

on goal: none for the entire game.

They had a handful of shots that were blocked, went over the net, etc but none of those count as shots on goal.

 

[Celph Titled]

Good thing Germany ran it up on Portugal...

wtg Pepe!

 

[Moe.]

Beckerman is my new favorite US player. Sorry Benny.

God bless him.

Of all players he took the most hell from us in the soccer threads over the years. He has played 3 solid games and today was his best.

He was unbelievable. Always in the right spot, always available, always made the right pass, hell even his fouls were perfect.

 

[Native]

Whew.

 

[TheIronSheik]

So was Germany playing a normal game? Or were they playing half throttle? Kind of looked like they weren't really trying too hard on some plays. But as a noob, that just may be me not understanding the game.

I thought they played hard. They straight up dominated us. Once they realized we really weren't going to get too risky and that we were essentially conceding 1st in the group, they went all out. Especially with Klose coming in and wanting to get the goal total lead.

IMO Germany played hard for the first 70 minutes, then they backed off a bit.

Lahm's recovery run that late in the game was incredible effort that eliminated a clear look on goal for Bedoya.

I was referring more to their offensive push. Obviously, they were playing 100% on defense. They didn't want to lose. But a lot of their shots in the first half seemed to go right at the goalie. Or they didn't seem to be trying a serious cross. Even on the corners they didn't look like they were trying. I mean, if it came to them, they would have scored. But up until the goal, it kind of looked like they were happy with a tie.

 

[Celph Titled]

I like how stupid Woz assumes anyone who doesn't like beer is a Mormon.

 

[Jackstraw]

We beat Germany when it mattered.

 

[NewlyRetired]

After the Ghana game a buddy of mine said exactly: "We're in pretty good shape. Looking for a draw vs. Portugal and a small loss vs. Germany and we're through"

that is the exact mapping we did the minute the group draw came out back in December as our best chance to advance.

It never works out like you expect and yet this one followed the line perfectly.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

To put this in perspective... here are the teams that have advanced in at least three of the last four World Cups:

Brazil - 4
Germany - 4
Mexico - 4

Argentina - 3
England -3
Netherlands - 3
Spain - 3
United States - 3

Yeah -- it's hard.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So was Germany playing a normal game? Or were they playing half throttle? Kind of looked like they weren't really trying too hard on some plays. But as a noob, that just may be me not understanding the game.

I thought they played hard. They straight up dominated us. Once they realized we really weren't going to get too risky and that we were essentially conceding 1st in the group, they went all out. Especially with Klose coming in and wanting to get the goal total lead.

IMO Germany played hard for the first 70 minutes, then they backed off a bit.

Lahm's recovery run that late in the game was incredible effort that eliminated a clear look on goal for Bedoya.

I was referring more to their offensive push. Obviously, they were playing 100% on defense. They didn't want to lose. But a lot of their shots in the first half seemed to go right at the goalie. Or they didn't seem to be trying a serious cross. Even on the corners they didn't look like they were trying. I mean, if it came to them, they would have scored. But up until the goal, it kind of looked like they were happy with a tie.

that is how Germany always plays. They wait for you to make a mistake with their elite level consistency and then they punish.

Don't for a second believe they were not playing hard.

 

[JuniorNB]

All these 'backing in' people know nothing about group play. They're too hung up on the order of the games. We were in the Group of Death. Called so because it featured us and 3 top ten teams in the world. No one gave us a shot at advancing. And we advanced. And we were one lucky cross and header in the last 30 seconds away from clinching it without even having to show up today. Major, major accomplishment for the US team.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Okay back to a prior convo:

Won First Game and advanced: Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Chile, Colombia, Rich Coast, Switzerland, France, Argentina, Germany, USA, Belgium

Won First Game and didn't advance: Italy, Cote D'Ivoire

12 out of 14 advanced.

Lost First Game and advanced: Greece, Uruguay

Lost First Game and didn't advance: Croatia, Cameroon, Spain, Australia, England, Japan, Ecuador, Honduras, Bosnia, Portugal, Ghana

Lost First Game and TBD: Algeria

2 or 3 out of 14 advanced.

1 or 2 of the 4 teams that tied in their first game will advance. Nigeria and possibly Russia.

-QG

 

[GregR]

Can ESPN please show a replay of the bikini girl at the beach? TIA.

SHE WAS PERFECT

What point in the broadcast was this?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can ESPN please show a replay of the bikini girl at the beach? TIA.

SHE WAS PERFECT

What point in the broadcast was this?

after the game when they did a beach shot

 

[El Floppo]

Can ESPN please show a replay of the bikini girl at the beach? TIA.

SHE WAS PERFECT

I watched the game at my gb's place with another friend- we were all nervous nellies and chatty-overcharged after that game.... but the room got very, very quiet rigth then.

 

[Bucky86]

We beat Germany when it mattered.

You have reached your quota of positive votes for the day

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

it was at 12:56pm Central

 

[Moe.]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

All these 'backing in' people know nothing about group play. They're too hung up on the order of the games. We were in the Group of Death. Called so because it featured us and 3 top ten teams in the world. No one gave us a shot at advancing. And we advanced. And we were one lucky cross and header in the last 30 seconds away from clinching it without even having to show up today. Major, major accomplishment for the US team.

I agree with one slight tweak.

Ghana is not a top 10 team by any measurement.

 

[Bucky86]

Can ESPN please show a replay of the bikini girl at the beach? TIA.

SHE WAS PERFECT

I watched the game at my gb's place with another friend- we were all nervous nellies and chatty-overcharged after that game.... but the room got very, very quiet rigth then.

Anyone have a screenshot?

 

[El Floppo]

All these 'backing in' people know nothing about group play. They're too hung up on the order of the games. We were in the Group of Death. Called so because it featured us and 3 top ten teams in the world. No one gave us a shot at advancing. And we advanced. And we were one lucky cross and header in the last 30 seconds away from clinching it without even having to show up today. Major, major accomplishment for the US team.

It's like complaining that your NFL team just won a play-off game. No- I'd rather they looked better in the last quarter and lost than advanced by winning that way.

and before anybody says "they didn't win"... it's best of 3 games for total points. YES THEY DID.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

 

[El Floppo]

it was at 12:56pm Central

is it possible to break a dvr?

 

[QuizGuy66]

Bikini Girl:

http://www.sportsgrid.com/wag-spotting/the-world-cup-where-cameramen-are-instructed-to-find-sexy-fans-and-zoom-in/#0

-QG

 

[Christo]

Can ESPN please show a replay of the bikini girl at the beach? TIA.

SHE WAS PERFECT

What point in the broadcast was this?

Right afterwards when the players were still on the field.

 

[Steve Tasker]

What time is the game Tuesday?

4PM ET most likely vs Belgium.

HOw do we match up vs Belgium compared to algeria?

They beat us 4-2 in a friendly earlier. Not as good as Germany but plenty of talent playing in the best leagues. USA won't be favorites but has a shooters chance.

Belgium was considered a dark horse to go far. I think it will be a good test for the US and I do think we have a chance to win. Probably the best matchup for us to get of all the group winners

Well I mean, I'd probably rather play Costa Rica. Preferably in a freak Brazilian snowstorm.

 

[Moe.]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

No I got it.

 

[El Floppo]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

 

[Ned]

Bikini Girl:

http://www.sportsgrid.com/wag-spotting/the-world-cup-where-cameramen-are-instructed-to-find-sexy-fans-and-zoom-in/#0

-QG

http://replygif.net/i/877.gif

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

This would be a fine position to take if Davis and Bedoya were solid players but I have not seen anything out of either of them that makes me think they would be better than Yedlin.

I am more than happy with Yedlin as a late sub, I just which one other wing half would wake up and play a little better. Its like Zusi is the only wing half.

 

[El Floppo]

What time is the game Tuesday?

4PM ET most likely vs Belgium.

HOw do we match up vs Belgium compared to algeria?

They beat us 4-2 in a friendly earlier. Not as good as Germany but plenty of talent playing in the best leagues. USA won't be favorites but has a shooters chance.

Belgium was considered a dark horse to go far. I think it will be a good test for the US and I do think we have a chance to win. Probably the best matchup for us to get of all the group winners

Well I mean, I'd probably rather play Costa Rica. Preferably in a freak Brazilian snowstorm.

What I remember about that Belgium friendly score-aside was them destroying us physically, skillfully and tactically- men vs boys style.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I tried

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hgg4-ws6Lw&feature=youtu.be

 

[QuizGuy66]

Really when you look at the bracket, I probably would choose being in our half of the bracket than the other one. Still tough either way obviously since France, Holland, and Argentina are in our half, but Germany will have to definitely beat a South American team in Brazil which is no mean feat.

-QG

 

[Ned]

So odds of Altidore actually playing are???

 

[Moe.]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

I think that's mitigated a little bit by playing him as a winger. It's not like Davis did much of anything on defense today.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Re Yedlin - yes he is better as a sub, but if he were to play as a Midfielder, I don't think his liabilities would hurts us as much as if he was a LB.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Re Yedlin - yes he is better as a sub, but if he were to play as a Midfielder, I don't think his liabilities would hurts us as much as if he was a LB.

I agree, he is not ready for RB at this level at all.

But I really think we could give team some fits throwing both Fab and Yedln at them down that side, at least for more than 10 minutes.

 

[[icon]]

All these 'backing in' people know nothing about group play. They're too hung up on the order of the games. We were in the Group of Death. Called so because it featured us and 3 top ten teams in the world. No one gave us a shot at advancing. And we advanced. And we were one lucky cross and header in the last 30 seconds away from clinching it without even having to show up today. Major, major accomplishment for the US team.

Exactly.

 

[El Floppo]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

This would be a fine position to take if Davis and Bedoya were solid players but I have not seen anything out of either of them that makes me think they would be better than Yedlin.

I am more than happy with Yedlin as a late sub, I just which one other wing half would wake up and play a little better. Its like Zusi is the only wing half.

Andy- I tend to be very conservative when I pick teams (fantasy included). I prefer guys that are less likely to implode over guys that are more likely to explode. Yedlin is a tiny green globule on a drum stool.

But I agree. Zusi and Bedoya aren't that exciting- despite being decent talents- and really haven't stepped anywhere near up so far. If only there was a wily vet with a lot of skills that brings that X factor to games somewhere in the US ranks... oh wait- that's right- Davis.

 

[Moe.]

Re Yedlin - yes he is better as a sub, but if he were to play as a Midfielder, I don't think his liabilities would hurts us as much as if he was a LB.

I agree, he is not ready for RB at this level at all.

But I really think we could give team some fits throwing both Fab and Yedln at them down that side, at least for more than 10 minutes.

Couldn't agree more. Speed kills.

 

[Sammy3469]

What I remember about that Belgium friendly score-aside was them destroying us physically, skillfully and tactically- men vs boys style.

They aren't playing as well now as they were then though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

I think that's mitigated a little bit by playing him as a winger. It's not like Davis did much of anything on defense today.

exactly.

In fact Davis appeared lost in the first half on what his defensive responsibilities were. The first 10 minutes were all coming from his spot. When they switched him and Zusi was when the US finally go the game a bit under control.

 

[El Floppo]

Re Yedlin - yes he is better as a sub, but if he were to play as a Midfielder, I don't think his liabilities would hurts us as much as if he was a LB.

I agree, he is not ready for RB at this level at all.

But I really think we could give team some fits throwing both Fab and Yedln at them down that side, at least for more than 10 minutes.

Ah- good points, guys- I completely missed that you were all talking about him pushed up.

Hmmm.... start the young guy at a new position in the quarter finals of the WC. why not?

 

[[icon]]

What time is the game Tuesday?

4PM ET most likely vs Belgium.

HOw do we match up vs Belgium compared to algeria?

They beat us 4-2 in a friendly earlier. Not as good as Germany but plenty of talent playing in the best leagues. USA won't be favorites but has a shooters chance.

Belgium was considered a dark horse to go far. I think it will be a good test for the US and I do think we have a chance to win. Probably the best matchup for us to get of all the group winners

Well I mean, I'd probably rather play Costa Rica. Preferably in a freak Brazilian snowstorm.

What I remember about that Belgium friendly score-aside was them destroying us physically, skillfully and tactically- men vs boys style.

In my admittedly limited knowledge I'd have to say this young USMNT has grown/progressed considerably since that match. Fingers crossed.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Really when you look at the bracket, I probably would choose being in our half of the bracket than the other one. Still tough either way obviously since France, Holland, and Argentina are in our half, but Germany will have to definitely beat a South American team in Brazil which is no mean feat.

-QG

France is on the other side of the bracket.

 

[El Floppo]

What I remember about that Belgium friendly score-aside was them destroying us physically, skillfully and tactically- men vs boys style.

They aren't playing as well now as they were then though.

I haven't gotten to see them play too much this WC.

 

[chet]

Have any groups ever been decided by drawing lots?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Re Yedlin - yes he is better as a sub, but if he were to play as a Midfielder, I don't think his liabilities would hurts us as much as if he was a LB.

I agree, he is not ready for RB at this level at all.

But I really think we could give team some fits throwing both Fab and Yedln at them down that side, at least for more than 10 minutes.

Ah- good points, guys- I completely missed that you were all talking about him pushed up.

Hmmm.... start the young guy at a new position in the quarter finals of the WC. why not?

what could go wrong? lol

I am not advocating starting him, but would love to see him get 30 minutes or so.

I think Zusi has been solid this tournament. Assists on two of the US goals and has worked his butt off defensively.

It is his opposite number that has not sparkled IMO so far.

 

[El Floppo]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I think you missed his point

Gator dislikes Yedlin for what ever reason and was saying that his only success was because he came on late and that he could not do the same for 80 minutes.

If the US has to rely on Yedlin for anything more than energizer-bunny 10 minutes, they're in deep, deep trouble.

fantastic young talent, but very raw and very prone to gigantic brain-farts by being too aggressive on his runs, positioning and tackles.

This would be a fine position to take if Davis and Bedoya were solid players but I have not seen anything out of either of them that makes me think they would be better than Yedlin.

I am more than happy with Yedlin as a late sub, I just which one other wing half would wake up and play a little better. Its like Zusi is the only wing half.

Andy- I tend to be very conservative when I pick teams (fantasy included). I prefer guys that are less likely to implode over guys that are more likely to explode. Yedlin is a tiny green globule on a drum stool.

But I agree. Zusi and Bedoya aren't that exciting- despite being decent talents- and really haven't stepped anywhere near up so far. If only there was a wily vet with a lot of skills that brings that X factor to games somewhere in the US ranks... oh wait- that's right- Davis.

Zusi has been fantastic imo, KC homerism aside.

I think he fits my conservative, not prone to mistakes job... so in that way he's done well. But I haven't seen him really light anything up with his crossing or play down the flank. Solid performances though.

 

[The Gator]

Can we petition Obama to fire Klinsmann?

I am feeling a quarter-final run imo

Brad. Davis.

I'm really glad that the US advanced, and I think they can get to the quarters in spite of him, but I don't think he brings much to the table himself.

Yedlin is getting more done in his tiny minutes than the other wing halfs are (not including Zusi) with a ton of minutes.

I'm sure Yedlin could do the same for 80min instead of coming on fresh for 10min then, right?

Agreed. I could go for a Beckerman Jones Yedlin Bradley Zusi MF against Belgium, assuming Jozy can't go. Might as well go for it.

I was half being sarcastic because there no way he can put that shift in over 80min