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

[The Gator]

I have a bad feeling that the Netherlands are just clicking too well right now.

Cletius, reverse jinx please. I'd do it, but I don't believe in the stuff.

TIA

I've got my 2006 Holland jersey in the car for a meeting at the bar if I can get away, but honestly don't have a care either way. Just hoping for a good one.

But I'll go ahead and predict a Dirk Kuyt hattrick for you ...

Thanks! and we both picked Kuyt.

Good job trying to jinx a guy who's play right back. Might as well try and jinx De Guzman....

 

[Good Posting Judge]

XI's:

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup

 

[Spartans Rule]

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

Howard, maybe. No outfield players. The fact that Jones never got a cap for them is telling.

 

[The Gator]

XI's:

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup

No surprises, right? I think Di Maria being out might help Argentina in regards to team shape and the midfield being able to handle Holland's midfield

 

[Spartans Rule]

XI's:

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup

No surprises, right? I think Di Maria being out might help Argentina in regards to team shape and the midfield being able to handle Holland's midfield

The surprise to me was that Holland's fully healthy. Didn't sound like RVP or De Jong were going to be available.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

"Hup Holland Hup. Laat de leeuve nit in sein hemje staan" - literally translated is, "Go Holland, don't leave the lion standing in his t-shirt."

 

[Sebowski]

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

Howard, maybe. No outfield players. The fact that Jones never got a cap for them is telling.

Julian Green and Brooks, imo.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

good marketing strategy by this pub in Gallway yesterday

Roisin DubhBar · 31,323 Likes
· Yesterday at 3:19am · Come watch the World Cup Semi Final tonight in the back. Bottles of Brahma will be €4, pints of Erdinger will be €4. And for any goal scored, the price will drop by 50 cents for that country's beer.

 

[El Floppo]

Its easy to bury Brazil, but its not really fair to compare a team that lost its best player to teams that didn't. How good is the 2002 team if Ronaldo goes down? They still had a lot of talent, but enough to replace 8 goals?

On reputation, Dani Alves is one of the best RBs in the game. Same with David Luiz at CB. And Brazil had respected players in Dante and Henrique backing him up.

If Holland wins today, Ron Vlaar is going to start the World Cup final. Johnny Heitinga started for Holland in the final in 2010 at the same position if memory serves. Dirk Kuyt could very well be starting LB despite the fact that he's 110 years old and not a LB (and I love Dirk Kuyt).

We all thought that Felipao had the formula right for Brazil. Keep it congested in the middle and play through Neymar. Frankly, I had thought that he had admirably leashed Marcelo through the tournament (or that Marcelo had gracefully aged out of the kind of shockers you saw yesterday).

We lost Jozi and we only lost to Germany by 1 goal.

The USMNT played very hard and admirably, given the talent disparity. Yesterday's game should be required viewing for the "How can you be satisfied with the US losing to Belgium and Germany" crowd.

it's beating a horse, but for me the frustrating thing about the US v Germany game was that I know the US capable of far more than they showed.

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

dunno, probably not outside of Howard.. and I don't see the relevance.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Its easy to bury Brazil, but its not really fair to compare a team that lost its best player to teams that didn't. How good is the 2002 team if Ronaldo goes down? They still had a lot of talent, but enough to replace 8 goals?

On reputation, Dani Alves is one of the best RBs in the game. Same with David Luiz at CB. And Brazil had respected players in Dante and Henrique backing him up.

If Holland wins today, Ron Vlaar is going to start the World Cup final. Johnny Heitinga started for Holland in the final in 2010 at the same position if memory serves. Dirk Kuyt could very well be starting LB despite the fact that he's 110 years old and not a LB (and I love Dirk Kuyt).

We all thought that Felipao had the formula right for Brazil. Keep it congested in the middle and play through Neymar. Frankly, I had thought that he had admirably leashed Marcelo through the tournament (or that Marcelo had gracefully aged out of the kind of shockers you saw yesterday).

We lost Jozi and we only lost to Germany by 1 goal.

The USMNT played very hard and admirably, given the talent disparity. Yesterday's game should be required viewing for the "How can you be satisfied with the US losing to Belgium and Germany" crowd.

it's beating a horse, but for me the frustrating thing about the US v Germany game was that I know the US capable of far more than they showed.

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

dunno, probably not outside of Howard.. and I don't see the relevance.

I think that Fabian Johnson could have had a case ahead of Mustafi (who's helped by his versatility). I think that Bradley could have likely gotten the last CM spot ahead of Christoph Kramer.

 

[Sebowski]

good marketing strategy by this pub in Gallway yesterday

Roisin Dubhhttps://www.facebook.com/roisindubhgalway?ref=stream&fref=nf



Bar · 31,323 Likes · Yesterday at 3:19amhttps://www.facebook.com/roisindubhgalway/posts/10153199357155931 ·

Come watch the World Cup Semi Final tonight in the back. Bottles of Brahma will be 4, pints of Erdinger will be 4. And for any goal scored, the price will drop by 50 cents for that country's beer.

Awesome. Wonder how many $.50 Erdingers they sold.

 

[Sebowski]

XI's:https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup

No surprises, right? I think Di Maria being out might help Argentina in regards to team shape and the midfield being able to handle Holland's midfield

There was some how that Aguero would get the start, but no easy he is ready for 90mins.

 

[DiStefano]

Just a hypothetical question. If Germany had been playing a group game, and needed 5 goals to advance to the next stage, and were playing Cameroon, or Costa Rica, or Bosnia, and won by a score of 7-1, how many would be convinced the fix was in?

 

[NewlyRetired]

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

Howard, maybe. No outfield players. The fact that Jones never got a cap for them is telling.

Julian Green and Brooks, imo.

Are you prjecting for the future?

There is no way Green makes the German team in 2014 imo.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Just a hypothetical question. If Germany had been playing a group game, and needed 5 goals to advance to the next stage, and were playing Cameroon, or Costa Rica, or Bosnia, and won by a score of 7-1, how many would be convinced the fix was in?

I would be far from convinced but at the same time I would not dismiss it out of hand like I have the suggestions that Brazil fixed the game yesterday.

At least in your scenario you could find a reason why that might happen.

 

[The Gator]

Sebowski> what's our Argentine drink today? I'll see if this Mexicaned place can make it

 

[Moe.]

Pretend Marcelo is not left-footed. Do we even know who he is? I hate him so much.

 

[El Floppo]

Its easy to bury Brazil, but its not really fair to compare a team that lost its best player to teams that didn't. How good is the 2002 team if Ronaldo goes down? They still had a lot of talent, but enough to replace 8 goals?

On reputation, Dani Alves is one of the best RBs in the game. Same with David Luiz at CB. And Brazil had respected players in Dante and Henrique backing him up.

If Holland wins today, Ron Vlaar is going to start the World Cup final. Johnny Heitinga started for Holland in the final in 2010 at the same position if memory serves. Dirk Kuyt could very well be starting LB despite the fact that he's 110 years old and not a LB (and I love Dirk Kuyt).

We all thought that Felipao had the formula right for Brazil. Keep it congested in the middle and play through Neymar. Frankly, I had thought that he had admirably leashed Marcelo through the tournament (or that Marcelo had gracefully aged out of the kind of shockers you saw yesterday).

We lost Jozi and we only lost to Germany by 1 goal.

The USMNT played very hard and admirably, given the talent disparity. Yesterday's game should be required viewing for the "How can you be satisfied with the US losing to Belgium and Germany" crowd.

it's beating a horse, but for me the frustrating thing about the US v Germany game was that I know the US capable of far more than they showed.

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

dunno, probably not outside of Howard.. and I don't see the relevance.

I think that Fabian Johnson could have had a case ahead of Mustafi (who's helped by his versatility). I think that Bradley could have likely gotten the last CM spot ahead of Christoph Kramer.

arguments could be made fo sho.

still don't see the relevance.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

 

[cheese]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

After some of the group stage games, I would think our 4th goalie (whoever he is) should probably be given a look. Some teams with decent rosters were a wreck back there. I can only imagine their #3.

 

[Sebowski]

Sebowski> what's our Argentine drink today? I'll see if this Mexicaned place can make it

They can make it, but you may not like it. Fernet Branca and Coke. Bonus shots of Fernet for each gol. Fernet is very much an aquired taste. I made a buddy do a shot with me last time and he almost spit it out. I've grown to like it. Its like a bitters with a strong tea tree flavor.

 

[Sebowski]

Does the US have one player that even makes Germany's 23?

Howard, maybe. No outfield players. The fact that Jones never got a cap for them is telling.

Julian Green and Brooks, imo.

Are you prjecting for the future?

There is no way Green makes the German team in 2014 imo.

I was making a (not so)funny.

 

[sporthenry]

The Dutch flip-shirts from 2010 were cool. I was hoping they would catch on with the ladies.

Where do I buy these?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Sebowski> what's our Argentine drink today? I'll see if this Mexicaned place can make it

They can make it, but you may not like it. Fernet Branca and Coke. Bonus shots of Fernet for each gol. Fernet is very much an aquired taste. I made a buddy do a shot with me last time and he almost spit it out. I've grown to like it. Its like a bitters with a strong tea tree flavor.

2 parts Blue Curacao. 1 part milk.

Mmmmmmmm.

 

[The_Man]

I wish the Bacardi family had tried to extinguish the fire of 1890 with Taylor Twellman's face and they all died.

 

[sporthenry]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

My youth baseball league used to do something like this.

Friedel might get a look.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I wish the Bacardi family had tried to extinguish the fire of 1890 with Taylor Twellman's face and they all died.

He needs to stay alive to tweet. But losing his voice would have been ok

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I don't mind Twellman. I don't understand why people think he's so bad. I mean, I think Robson is probably the best color guy I've heard, but Twellman is a more professional broadcaster than Macca (I also don't mind Macca, but I'm not sure you're taught to analyze every replay by saying "Gaaaaaah").

 

[otello]

Vamos!! Vamos!!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

My youth baseball league used to do something like this.Friedel might get a look.

Think of the scouting and choices

You could do it in reverse order of rankings, so worst team picks first. It would be a riot to see the choices teams make.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Does the US pick Rossi?

 

[The Gator]

I don't mind Twellman. I don't understand why people think he's so bad. I mean, I think Robson is probably the best color guy I've heard, but Twellman is a more professional broadcaster than Macca (I also don't mind Macca, but I'm not sure you're taught to analyze every replay by saying "Gaaaaaah").

Twellman might well be more professional, but I'll take the Macca Ewwwwwoooohhhh, over Twellman's know it all dumby face self

 

[sporthenry]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

My youth baseball league used to do something like this.Friedel might get a look.

Think of the scouting and choices

You could do it in reverse order of rankings, so worst team picks first. It would be a riot to see the choices teams make.

There'd prob be a race to bottom out the rankings then. But it'd definitely make snubbing people a lot harder. Imagine teams colluding so Mexico can draft Kaka and Uruguay can draft Rossi, etc.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't mind Twellman. I don't understand why people think he's so bad. I mean, I think Robson is probably the best color guy I've heard, but Twellman is a more professional broadcaster than Macca (I also don't mind Macca, but I'm not sure you're taught to analyze every replay by saying "Gaaaaaah").

"It's the little things" about Twellman that people hate Scooby He sucks but yeah so does Macca and many of the color guys. The announcers are all a relatively solid group, assuming you don't hate Brits.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I don't mind Twellman. I don't understand why people think he's so bad. I mean, I think Robson is probably the best color guy I've heard, but Twellman is a more professional broadcaster than Macca (I also don't mind Macca, but I'm not sure you're taught to analyze every replay by saying "Gaaaaaah").

I think todays pair, Champion and Robson, are my favorite of the ESPN announcers. I think they did France-Germany last Friday?

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I love Argentina's kit when they wear the black shorts. Such a great look.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

 

[The Gator]

Di Maria available off the bench?

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Di Maria available off the bench?

No. But Aguero is.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Hypothetical:

New FIFA rule: After every team sets its 23, a waiver draft is allowed.

Players are available from every country in the WC who did not make a roster but no more than 1 player can be chosen from any country.

Every country gets one draft pick if they want to replace someone on their roster.

Does anyone pick Landon (or another American?)

My youth baseball league used to do something like this.Friedel might get a look.

Think of the scouting and choices

You could do it in reverse order of rankings, so worst team picks first. It would be a riot to see the choices teams make.

There'd prob be a race to bottom out the rankings then. But it'd definitely make snubbing people a lot harder. Imagine teams colluding so Mexico can draft Kaka and Uruguay can draft Rossi, etc.

You can protect against the bottom issue by simply taking a snap shot of said teams rankings late in qualifying.

Scooby's suggestion of US and Rossi is why I think this draft would be a blast.

But yeah, teams might collude, but that is soccer

 

[TheIronSheik]

It's still 0-0? What the hell?

 

[Slapdash]

####### satellite is down in the whole building....

 

[The Gator]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

Who's tone is more direct and maybe snarky; an American speaking English or a guy speaking in his second or third language?

You can have the same content come out and have it taken completely differently because of tone/delivery.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

Speaking of Alexi, did you see the silly go between on Twitter between him and Cameron?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

Who's tone is more direct and maybe snarky; an American speaking English or a guy speaking in his second or third language?

You can have the same content come out and have it taken completely differently because of tone/delivery.

Macca is the snakiest if the group imo.

 

[Slapdash]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

Speaking of Alexi, did you see the silly go between on Twitter between him and Cameron?

Nope. I'll have to find that.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I think American soccer fans are self-loathing. We don't mind if Ruud or Ballack have strong opinions. But if Alexi or Twellman (and Taylor isn't even that opinionated) have strong opinions, we hate him.

Speaking of Alexi, did you see the silly go between on Twitter between him and Cameron?

Nope. I'll have to find that.

It wasn't much. Here is a paraphrase

Alexi (not directed to Cam): Should Cam sit if US had advanced to quarterfinals?

Cam: Can I attend your camp since you are such a soccer expert?

Alexi: Sorry beginners not allowed.

Not sure if it went on..

 

[Good Posting Judge]

My whole point of Americans being able to make the German national squad was to illustrate the talent disparity between the two, and to underline the larger point that the USMNT acquitted themselves very well in this WC.

That's it.

I'm kind of starting to dig the 5-3-2.

 

[The Gator]

Messi sucks at free kicks