Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
If our group was Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Nigeria, we'd likely advance.
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***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter NewlyRetired
- Start date
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
Glob of thoughts on 2022.
Moving it from Qatar now (or even in 2015) isn't really "short" notice especially for the countries that would be favored to stage it. A 7-year lead time for the US is nothing. For Australia, I think it would be quite manageable as well. Brazil had 7 years and is a total fiasco, it's true, but that's a very different place.
If one of these stories comes out of non-British media, I will consider it a real drumbeat to move 2022. But if the most damning documents are published that will probably come along.
I think that if FIFA moves 2022 they will "decide" to keep it in the same confederation. This likely means Australia of course. Though there could be a deeper play that would put the Cup in the USA (and perhaps some part in Mexico in 2022). If they strip the 2022 Cup from Asia altogether they can "promise" the next one (2026) to Asia. And by Asia basically I mean China when that vote really happens.
I see zero chance they give it to England (especially when you factor in the political consideration that pretty much every report about Qatar is coming out of there. No way FIFA plays the politics like that. And two in a row in Europe won't happen. And even though implicit in all of this (particularly from the British perspective) is that BOTH the 2018 and 2022 votes are tainted there is no way they move 2018. You can lock that one in stone.
Europe is more realistically 2030. If somehow it goes, say, USA Australia in some order in 2022/2026 I see no way they award it to an English-Speaking Country for a third Cup in a row.
I do think if there are really that many documents and they are spelled out clearly then who knows- the Qatar disaster may just be avoided.
-QG
Moving it from Qatar now (or even in 2015) isn't really "short" notice especially for the countries that would be favored to stage it. A 7-year lead time for the US is nothing. For Australia, I think it would be quite manageable as well. Brazil had 7 years and is a total fiasco, it's true, but that's a very different place.
If one of these stories comes out of non-British media, I will consider it a real drumbeat to move 2022. But if the most damning documents are published that will probably come along.
I think that if FIFA moves 2022 they will "decide" to keep it in the same confederation. This likely means Australia of course. Though there could be a deeper play that would put the Cup in the USA (and perhaps some part in Mexico in 2022). If they strip the 2022 Cup from Asia altogether they can "promise" the next one (2026) to Asia. And by Asia basically I mean China when that vote really happens.
I see zero chance they give it to England (especially when you factor in the political consideration that pretty much every report about Qatar is coming out of there. No way FIFA plays the politics like that. And two in a row in Europe won't happen. And even though implicit in all of this (particularly from the British perspective) is that BOTH the 2018 and 2022 votes are tainted there is no way they move 2018. You can lock that one in stone.
Europe is more realistically 2030. If somehow it goes, say, USA Australia in some order in 2022/2026 I see no way they award it to an English-Speaking Country for a third Cup in a row.
I do think if there are really that many documents and they are spelled out clearly then who knows- the Qatar disaster may just be avoided.
-QG
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
fatguyinalittlecoat
Footballguy
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
So, 15 days out, and I feel comfortable with:
GK: Howard
RB: Johnson
S: Dempsey
3 out of 11 spots aren't bad, right?
I feel OK about Zusi, Bradley started to play better in the 2nd half, but I think his best position is still deeper. I know Jozy worked hard, and Klinsmann is not going to abandon him now, but he has no confidence, I don't think he could hit an open net right now.
I want to be an optimist, give me something.
GK: Howard
RB: Johnson
S: Dempsey
3 out of 11 spots aren't bad, right?
I feel OK about Zusi, Bradley started to play better in the 2nd half, but I think his best position is still deeper. I know Jozy worked hard, and Klinsmann is not going to abandon him now, but he has no confidence, I don't think he could hit an open net right now.
I want to be an optimist, give me something.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
You mean beyond Guzan being a great back up?
Cam and Bradley I feel fine about. Bradley distribution has been off but he is as complete a player we have and even when he still contributes. I can't say anything bad about Cam. He is not a super star but he gives us more steady play than Gonzo would IMO.
Our wing midfielders are just so meh. Zusi, Bedoya, and Davis are all below average starters at the WC level and Green simply does not belong on the roster.
I really want to see Bacon and Dempsey together but I just don't see JK giving up on Jozy right now.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This means less than nothing but Germany is not dominating anyone right now in their friendly's.
Playing both at home they have managed just 2 draws.
They play Armenia next so they will likely head to Brazil on a high.
Interesting that they scheduled their weak team last and the US scheduled its weak team first.
Playing both at home they have managed just 2 draws.
They play Armenia next so they will likely head to Brazil on a high.
Interesting that they scheduled their weak team last and the US scheduled its weak team first.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I thought Brooks had an outstanding second half. He was called upon to make a lot of interventions and stood tall each time. I hadn't been convinced in the past, but he has a level of raw talent that the rest of the US CBs just don't have.
Green isn't going to make the Donovan controversy go away. I'm fine with how Jozy played too. I'd like him to get his confidence back, but if he works that hard in Brazil, I"ll have no complaints.
Tough to make other judgments. I think we might play that aggressive against Ghana, but it's hard to imagine we'll do so against anyone else. At any rate, it made a very open game and a fun watch.
Green isn't going to make the Donovan controversy go away. I'm fine with how Jozy played too. I'd like him to get his confidence back, but if he works that hard in Brazil, I"ll have no complaints.
Tough to make other judgments. I think we might play that aggressive against Ghana, but it's hard to imagine we'll do so against anyone else. At any rate, it made a very open game and a fun watch.
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
In the 4-4-2 diamond, Jozy needs to do a lot more than just "work hard" He needs to be able to work with Dempsey, Bradley, and Zusi/Davis/Bedoya - an due has no touch, very little in the way of creativity, and less than zero confidence. He may not hurt the US out there, but none of his "work" is really helping, and when he gets stoned on two chances against the keeper, and passes away another chance, he is going to be second guessing himself all game long.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Tactics...
The US outside backs and MFs pinched into the middle- bordering on cheating- really tight defensively. TUrkey seemed to play two guys withdrawn from the pushed high forward, and constantly overwhelmed Jones and the space in the middle between the back 4 and Jones. Then, with the flank players pinching in, there was acres of space constantly for the overlap or wide player just hanging wide. Not sure how it looked on TV, but Turkey could play the ball into the middle at will, and then knock it across the field just as easily.
This didn't always translate to clear-cut scoring opportunities, but Turkey seemed to have the lion's share of shots and opportunites in the attacking third. Chandler in particular got caught too many times unaware of the guy wide or behind him- more than Johnson. Chandler also has a slow first gear- or maybe is lazy?- I kept seeing him start to recover but not on a powerful first few steps, but more of a float back before picking up the speed. Kind of nervewracking.
Inside, Turkey found ways with some great diagonal runs inside the box- but even though the runs were dangerous, I felt that Cameron and Besler did a solid job keeping the Turks out of clear opportunities. I didn't see too many problems with their spacing, either with eachother or with the outside backs- but that's likely because the backs were pulled in so tight.
Offensively, I thought the US looked *ok* going forward- a little disappointed with the consistency of speed of play (should have been moving the ball faster, and looked good when they did). The wide players who pinched in defensively would work hard to get wide offensively, even if the ball wide rarely made it; lots of switched balls fell short- notably from Jones, but he wasn't alone. The defense did a good job getting the ball to the right MFs when it was on... but also too many balls pushed downfield to nobody (although not entirely their fault). I don't see Jones and Bradley clicking with their spacing just yet, leaving Bradley isolated or without the ball too much of the time. Both of them gave the ball up much more than I would have liked.
Really not sure what's supposed to be going on with the forwards. Both Dempsey and Jozy played very similar with their runs, spacing and pace- mostly all at one speed floating around trying to find pockets of space. I saw Jozy make a handful of powerful runs diagonally- but not enough, considering Dempsey didn't do much of it all. The best I've ever seen the US play offensively was when Jozy paired with Davies- Davies provided a lot of power and energy with his runs, allowing Jozy to play more of a play-making role floating around. Jozy and Demspey both doing this is a mistake IMO.
Players-
Howard.... Didn't have to do too much, but did a good job controlling the box. That space the US gave up at the top of the 18 scares me against a team with players who will shoot the lights out of it. Fortunately today, Turkey didn't muster much to threaten Timmy.
Chandler... aforementioned problems with giddy-up and ball watching, but otherwise looked decent- tackled well and worked his ### off.
Besler... defended well, IMO. Paired well with Cameron and didn't allow too much to threaten the goal except from outside. Covered the diagonal runs decently.
Cameron... pretty identical to Besler- I'd like to see him get a chance to do more with his distribution, but the guys in front of him need to do more with their runs.
Fab Johnson... MoM for me. Got caught pinched in a few times- but I think that's more a tactical thing... and was able to recover well. Did a better job with his disribution and movement offensively and took that goal brilliantly
(Yedlin)... it's always the good and the bad with him. lots of pace and energy, but gets caught being too aggressive with his runs and tackles, leaving his flank too exposed.
Brad Davis...
worked hard, didn't excite, but didn't give away too much. No way Donovan could do that job. :satire:
Jones... did a great job breaking up what he could and did well staying back, but coudlnt find a way to get help when over-manned. Gave the ball away too much as well- disappointing day ultimately for him... but love his ability to tackle and break up plays.
(Beckerman)... looked good, won a lot of tackles and didn't seem off the pace. Would have liked to see him more aggressive with his passing- too many or all the passes were short- but seemed to do well with his passing accuracy.
(Green) ... obviously does thing LD can't. obviously. eventually it will be obvious.
Zusi... worked hard and looked a little more consistent and dangerous moving forward than Davis on the other side.
Bradley... didn't see enough of him on the ball and honestly didn't watch him as much as I thought I would. Very busy, but wanted more from him offensively- more than a couple bad passes and loose touches. But that assist to Johnson was pretty awesome.
Dempsey... when he gets the ball, he's great. But he needs a second forward who's busier than Jozy (or vice-versa). Looked like the last 15 minutes or so were purely not-get-hurt and take-a-rest time for him. Am I wrong that he and Jozy didn't do much combination play? Seemed like most of that came from MFs running through or in support.
Jozy... looked much better than last game- better first touch and did well muscling guys off the ball on long balls into space (even if he gets lazy with his hands too much- too much grabbing and pulling rather than positioning himself with his body). Did his best when he made the powerful runs into space or showing for the ball. But that didn't happen enough, so like I mentioned, it was mostly him and Dempsey floating around at one speed trying to find pockets of space.
The US outside backs and MFs pinched into the middle- bordering on cheating- really tight defensively. TUrkey seemed to play two guys withdrawn from the pushed high forward, and constantly overwhelmed Jones and the space in the middle between the back 4 and Jones. Then, with the flank players pinching in, there was acres of space constantly for the overlap or wide player just hanging wide. Not sure how it looked on TV, but Turkey could play the ball into the middle at will, and then knock it across the field just as easily.
This didn't always translate to clear-cut scoring opportunities, but Turkey seemed to have the lion's share of shots and opportunites in the attacking third. Chandler in particular got caught too many times unaware of the guy wide or behind him- more than Johnson. Chandler also has a slow first gear- or maybe is lazy?- I kept seeing him start to recover but not on a powerful first few steps, but more of a float back before picking up the speed. Kind of nervewracking.
Inside, Turkey found ways with some great diagonal runs inside the box- but even though the runs were dangerous, I felt that Cameron and Besler did a solid job keeping the Turks out of clear opportunities. I didn't see too many problems with their spacing, either with eachother or with the outside backs- but that's likely because the backs were pulled in so tight.
Offensively, I thought the US looked *ok* going forward- a little disappointed with the consistency of speed of play (should have been moving the ball faster, and looked good when they did). The wide players who pinched in defensively would work hard to get wide offensively, even if the ball wide rarely made it; lots of switched balls fell short- notably from Jones, but he wasn't alone. The defense did a good job getting the ball to the right MFs when it was on... but also too many balls pushed downfield to nobody (although not entirely their fault). I don't see Jones and Bradley clicking with their spacing just yet, leaving Bradley isolated or without the ball too much of the time. Both of them gave the ball up much more than I would have liked.
Really not sure what's supposed to be going on with the forwards. Both Dempsey and Jozy played very similar with their runs, spacing and pace- mostly all at one speed floating around trying to find pockets of space. I saw Jozy make a handful of powerful runs diagonally- but not enough, considering Dempsey didn't do much of it all. The best I've ever seen the US play offensively was when Jozy paired with Davies- Davies provided a lot of power and energy with his runs, allowing Jozy to play more of a play-making role floating around. Jozy and Demspey both doing this is a mistake IMO.
Players-
Howard.... Didn't have to do too much, but did a good job controlling the box. That space the US gave up at the top of the 18 scares me against a team with players who will shoot the lights out of it. Fortunately today, Turkey didn't muster much to threaten Timmy.
Chandler... aforementioned problems with giddy-up and ball watching, but otherwise looked decent- tackled well and worked his ### off.
Besler... defended well, IMO. Paired well with Cameron and didn't allow too much to threaten the goal except from outside. Covered the diagonal runs decently.
Cameron... pretty identical to Besler- I'd like to see him get a chance to do more with his distribution, but the guys in front of him need to do more with their runs.
Fab Johnson... MoM for me. Got caught pinched in a few times- but I think that's more a tactical thing... and was able to recover well. Did a better job with his disribution and movement offensively and took that goal brilliantly
(Yedlin)... it's always the good and the bad with him. lots of pace and energy, but gets caught being too aggressive with his runs and tackles, leaving his flank too exposed.
Brad Davis...
worked hard, didn't excite, but didn't give away too much. No way Donovan could do that job. :satire:Jones... did a great job breaking up what he could and did well staying back, but coudlnt find a way to get help when over-manned. Gave the ball away too much as well- disappointing day ultimately for him... but love his ability to tackle and break up plays.
(Beckerman)... looked good, won a lot of tackles and didn't seem off the pace. Would have liked to see him more aggressive with his passing- too many or all the passes were short- but seemed to do well with his passing accuracy.
(Green) ... obviously does thing LD can't. obviously. eventually it will be obvious.
Zusi... worked hard and looked a little more consistent and dangerous moving forward than Davis on the other side.
Bradley... didn't see enough of him on the ball and honestly didn't watch him as much as I thought I would. Very busy, but wanted more from him offensively- more than a couple bad passes and loose touches. But that assist to Johnson was pretty awesome.
Dempsey... when he gets the ball, he's great. But he needs a second forward who's busier than Jozy (or vice-versa). Looked like the last 15 minutes or so were purely not-get-hurt and take-a-rest time for him. Am I wrong that he and Jozy didn't do much combination play? Seemed like most of that came from MFs running through or in support.
Jozy... looked much better than last game- better first touch and did well muscling guys off the ball on long balls into space (even if he gets lazy with his hands too much- too much grabbing and pulling rather than positioning himself with his body). Did his best when he made the powerful runs into space or showing for the ball. But that didn't happen enough, so like I mentioned, it was mostly him and Dempsey floating around at one speed trying to find pockets of space.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Fabian Johnson reminded everyone again why it'd be good to have him at left midfield.
Jozy/Clint
Fab/Bradley/J Jones/Zusi
?????/Besler/Cameron/???
Forget that it's not going to happen -- if you were told the US MUST play that way, who would you slot into the outside back spots?
Jozy/Clint
Fab/Bradley/J Jones/Zusi
?????/Besler/Cameron/???
Forget that it's not going to happen -- if you were told the US MUST play that way, who would you slot into the outside back spots?
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
Beasley and Chandler
But I am happy with Fab in back right.
I am more worried about Besler right now than I am with either Chandler or Beasley on the left.
I thought Jozy was terrible again. He is ####### useless. He cannot beat any decent defender 1v1 other than in perhaps a foot race, and then when he gets the ball, he is ####### lost. I really don't know why he is constantly run out there. Yeah, I get he needs to find his confidence, but this is the ####### world cup. He's been #### for nearly a year now, time to move on.
I love watching Fab bombing forward, but the announcers said something to the effect of this is what they saw when he played for Hoffenheim. Yeah, the same Hoffenheim with one of the worst defensive records in the Bundesliga. I like watching backs come forward, but obviously he needs to pay attention to defense first....especially given how terrible the rest of the US backs played, there were gaping holes out there. I'm not sure who the US intends to start in their defensive middle, but I hope the wing backs don't get caught up too forward....Chandler is not very good, in my eyes.
Even though Bradley didn't have a particularly great game, other than one brilliant pass, I have a much greater comfort level with the midfield with him out there as opposed to absent.
I kinda liked what Zusi and Bradley offered out there too, but yeah, they are below average at world cup level. I don't think you can start both of them out there together, I think one or the other.
All in all, it was a decent game to watch, at least the Turks did not sit back and defend...but I didn't see all that much that impressed me either.
Germany drew vs Cameroon, a team they should thrash, and Portugal hasn't been playing that well in friendlies either, so I don't think it's all gloom and doom. But gonna be a tough uphill battle.
I love watching Fab bombing forward, but the announcers said something to the effect of this is what they saw when he played for Hoffenheim. Yeah, the same Hoffenheim with one of the worst defensive records in the Bundesliga. I like watching backs come forward, but obviously he needs to pay attention to defense first....especially given how terrible the rest of the US backs played, there were gaping holes out there. I'm not sure who the US intends to start in their defensive middle, but I hope the wing backs don't get caught up too forward....Chandler is not very good, in my eyes.
Even though Bradley didn't have a particularly great game, other than one brilliant pass, I have a much greater comfort level with the midfield with him out there as opposed to absent.
I kinda liked what Zusi and Bradley offered out there too, but yeah, they are below average at world cup level. I don't think you can start both of them out there together, I think one or the other.
All in all, it was a decent game to watch, at least the Turks did not sit back and defend...but I didn't see all that much that impressed me either.
Germany drew vs Cameroon, a team they should thrash, and Portugal hasn't been playing that well in friendlies either, so I don't think it's all gloom and doom. But gonna be a tough uphill battle.
TLEF316
Footballguy
So I definitely had a blast at the game. Other than the fact that I was hoarse by the 32 minute mark, it was a great time. We were right in front of the Lalas, Keller and Ley like 15 rows up. (so pretty much right between the corner flag and the edge of the 18 on the end the US was attacking in the first half).
The American Outlaws pre-game party was pretty much a bust. The bar was totally unprepared for the crowd. They only had 3 bartenders working despite the crowd being 3 deep for 2 hours. The biggest mistake was letting people sit at the bar. They should have ditched the stools so that everyone could get beers. Instead, the same 20 people stayed posted up at the bar the whole time making it impossible for anyone else to get a drink. They probably lost at least 50-60% of potential sales because people just couldn't get to the bar. Hell, setting up a few stations outside selling cans and bottles probably would have solved the problem as well. There were some cool people there, but it was a waste of time.
From my seat, it really looked the US, and Jozy in particular, got a very unfavorable whistle. I thought the foul on the disallowed goal was really soft. I thought Deuce deserved a PK and I thought Turkey's players were making a meal of every single piece of contact. Jozy couldn't breathe on someone without them going down in a heap. It ruined at least 2 or 3 good pieces of play on his part.
I thought we played ok, but I just think this team needs Landon. Davis isn't gonna get it done and the idea that Greene is even close to ready at this point is a joke. JK's insistence that Landon isn't as good as these guys makes him look like a fool. I know he can't come out and say "I promised Greene a spot to get him to commit", but at least then I'd be able to take him seriously. This whole situation has really soured me on him.
It was really interesting watching a game from another angle (other than the traditional TV angle). I'm far from an expert on the game, but the end zone camera made it that much harder for me to follow what was going on tactically. I just couldn't get a good grasp on how things were developing in the MF.
I'll definitely make an effort to get to any future USMNT game that's within driving distance. I also plan on heading out to at least one "important" qualifier at the end of next cycle (hopefully US-Mex in Columbus).
The American Outlaws pre-game party was pretty much a bust. The bar was totally unprepared for the crowd. They only had 3 bartenders working despite the crowd being 3 deep for 2 hours. The biggest mistake was letting people sit at the bar. They should have ditched the stools so that everyone could get beers. Instead, the same 20 people stayed posted up at the bar the whole time making it impossible for anyone else to get a drink. They probably lost at least 50-60% of potential sales because people just couldn't get to the bar. Hell, setting up a few stations outside selling cans and bottles probably would have solved the problem as well. There were some cool people there, but it was a waste of time.
From my seat, it really looked the US, and Jozy in particular, got a very unfavorable whistle. I thought the foul on the disallowed goal was really soft. I thought Deuce deserved a PK and I thought Turkey's players were making a meal of every single piece of contact. Jozy couldn't breathe on someone without them going down in a heap. It ruined at least 2 or 3 good pieces of play on his part.
I thought we played ok, but I just think this team needs Landon. Davis isn't gonna get it done and the idea that Greene is even close to ready at this point is a joke. JK's insistence that Landon isn't as good as these guys makes him look like a fool. I know he can't come out and say "I promised Greene a spot to get him to commit", but at least then I'd be able to take him seriously. This whole situation has really soured me on him.
It was really interesting watching a game from another angle (other than the traditional TV angle). I'm far from an expert on the game, but the end zone camera made it that much harder for me to follow what was going on tactically. I just couldn't get a good grasp on how things were developing in the MF.
I'll definitely make an effort to get to any future USMNT game that's within driving distance. I also plan on heading out to at least one "important" qualifier at the end of next cycle (hopefully US-Mex in Columbus).
El Floppo
Footballguy
That was sooooo filthy. Too bad it didn't ultimately work out- but crazy, crazy move... and I was sitting all the way at the other end of the stadium for it.
El Floppo
Footballguy
So re: Jozy... IMO, and I did hear the constant groans from fans, Jozy uses his hands too much to try to gain positioning advantages. This makes it really easy for refs to blow the whistle on him, even if he's not really doing much- it's just too obvious. He needs to use his body and arms more than grabbing and shoving with his hands.
It pisses me off that we're still at the point where US players simply can't hold the ball. Why is that skill so impossible for us to figure out? Every Central American player knows how to do this, even Caribbean players, let alone Euros and S Americans... but US- shuked.
I thought the ref did a decent job (Davis palmed that thing on the sideline, right?) despite all the groans and a couple harsh calls on the US.
I always try to sit as close to midfield as possible and up a bit- best viewing IMO. Redbull really doesn't have a bad seat in the house, and even though we were just above the US 18 (first half- opposite side of the stadium from the AO) and upper deck, but I think I prefer sitting closer to the field, because you're RIGHT there... so close.
Other than the WTC PATH train station mysteriously being closed today, which made me go from being an hour early to sitting down just as the national anthems played, getting to RBNY is so easy. It'll be fun going to see NYCFC games on the subway while they're still at ####ty Yankee stadium (opposite of RBNY, where every seat in the house sucks for soccer).
El Floppo
Footballguy
I tried to make it clear, but based on what I've seen from Davis and Green... LD not being part of the 23 is such a shambolic gaffe. Zusi can claim to have outplayed him during the hex- and I wouldn't argue- but Davis? And I LIKE Davis- always have- but he brings not much to the table for a tournament of this importnance. At least we got to see his right foot today 
of:
of:
The Gator
Footballguy
BUT DAVIS CAN KICK CORNERS WELLI tried to make it clear, but based on what I've seen from Davis and Green... LD not being part of the 23 is such a shambolic gaffe. Zusi can claim to have outplayed him during the hex- and I wouldn't argue- but Davis? And I LIKE Davis- always have- but he brings not much to the table for a tournament of this importnance. At least we got to see his right foot today
El Floppo
Footballguy
Oh yeah... Brooks. Started off SOOOO shaky- gave the ball away with a cheap first touch and then on the first Turk attack ball watched as a man made an easy run behind him- fortunately nothing came from this, but those two plays starting things off made very worried about this kid. Definitely settled down as the game wore on, especially wiht his touch. Not sure who was responsible for the big holes that opened up in the back line, but I don't think Brooks was helping. Yedlin pushing forward too much didn't either. But most of the problem seemed to be down Chandler's Left side- which was the opposite side of the stadium from me, so hard to see too much of what was going on down there.
El Floppo
Footballguy
holy hell... in the game of smarts, my phone and I both lost.
I had big plans to take a bunch of video and photos today- getting clips of stuff off the ball for you guys. Of course I just got busy watching and completely forgot to take ANY video at all or pics, except for right when I sat down getting overall stadium video. Somehow, all three vids I took are upside down. Not sure how that happens with a phone camera that automatically flips to the direction I'm holding it (Galaxy 3), but #### me.
I had big plans to take a bunch of video and photos today- getting clips of stuff off the ball for you guys. Of course I just got busy watching and completely forgot to take ANY video at all or pics, except for right when I sat down getting overall stadium video. Somehow, all three vids I took are upside down. Not sure how that happens with a phone camera that automatically flips to the direction I'm holding it (Galaxy 3), but #### me.
QuizGuy66
Footballguy
@Floppo nothing mysterious about WTC Path being closed. It and the Exchange Place station have been closed on weekends for the last 2 months and it's going to be a few more months of that as well. A lot of post-Sandy work and they claim that the full shutout of that part of the line for all the weekends is better. It's a major hassle but not a new thing.
Opted not to go and drop thr $150 or so today that would have entailed. Maybe next time out.
Still wish MLS would let NJ have a team.
-QG
Opted not to go and drop thr $150 or so today that would have entailed. Maybe next time out.
Still wish MLS would let NJ have a team.
-QG
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
MLS is not that picky. If you have between $70 and $100 million and some sort of viable stadium option being that you either own the stadium out right or you build a new soccer stadium, you have a pretty good chance to get an expansion team.
The Gator
Footballguy
'Muricans on teh WC
pretty happy that the gash who said LD shouldn't be in the team knows #### all about what's going on
pretty happy that the gash who said LD shouldn't be in the team knows #### all about what's going on
El Floppo
Footballguy
Beasley and Chandler
But I am happy with Fab in back right.
I am more worried about Besler right now than I am with either Chandler or Beasley on the left.
At the game, the problem didn't seem like it was Besler, but the spacing with Jones and especially Turkey overloading that space. Seems to me that CONCACAF teams figured out how to do this, frequently finding and exploiting that space, but without the ability to get the ball wide again.Beasley and Chandler
But I am happy with Fab in back right.
I am more worried about Besler right now than I am with either Chandler or Beasley on the left.
nottingham Forest
Footballguy
This team is lacking Landy cake's creativity.
nottingham Forest
Footballguy
Does any one know where to get the USA jersey from a few years ago with the horizontal red stripes?? They are 150 bucks plus on ebay.
Good Posting Judge
Footballguy
Floppo or NR can maybe help with this, but IIRC the US was mainly rolling out a 4-3-3 pre-2013, correct? Then there were the anonymous players slamming JK's tactical knowledge, and shortly thereafter the USMNT switched to a fairly standard 4-2-3-1, which again, IIRC they employed mainly throughout 2013, where they obviously were improved.
Now we're switching to a 4-4-2 diamond, or a flat 4-4-2? Are we trying to do our homework on the bus here?
Now we're switching to a 4-4-2 diamond, or a flat 4-4-2? Are we trying to do our homework on the bus here?
TLEF316
Footballguy
I absolutely love that Rossi didn't make the Italy team. I feel bad for the guy that he keeps getting injured, but I can't feel sorry for him. He chose Italy because they were the better team. Now he can't make that team. Its pretty great.
And yes, I realize that we're benefiting from quite a few duals at this point. But most of their situations are very different. Rossi's father voluntarily left Italy because the US offered more opportunities. The fathers of the German contingent (I believe all of them) were only there because they were serving our country. Bacon probably chose the US mostly because we're better, but at least he was born here.
And yes, I realize that we're benefiting from quite a few duals at this point. But most of their situations are very different. Rossi's father voluntarily left Italy because the US offered more opportunities. The fathers of the German contingent (I believe all of them) were only there because they were serving our country. Bacon probably chose the US mostly because we're better, but at least he was born here.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He has tried a bunch of formations over the years with US (4-3-3, 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1, different shapes of 4-4-2) I am unsure if he adjusts them based on the expected competition, the current players or because he likes to tinker.
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
I would not be surprised if we were only planning on using the 4-4-2 diamond against Ghana - a team we feel are our equal, or worse. Just a guess, but I wonder if the diamond concept was brought in to deal with the perception that Bradley and Jones were not working well as a tandem in the 4-2-3-1, with Jones roaming too much, forcing Bradley to stay back - which, in turn, caused us to miss out on Bradley's passing up field. By shifting to the diamond, it adds more clarity to Jones' role, in that he is supposed to stay back most of the time.
Against Portugal and Germany, I would think we will take a more defensive approach - dropping Bradley deeper, to help clog the middle, and with less freedom to move forward. That will, of course, make goals harder to come by, with less creativity up front.
If Klinsmann called me and asked, I would recommend the 4-2-3-1, with Bradley/Jones, but I would bring Mix into the left mid-field role to act as the playmaker. Right now, I think the outside midfielders: Zusi, Davis, and Bedoya are too alike in relative skill sets. If Bradley stays up front, than I think we do need some grinders in there, who primarily serve a supporting role for both defenders and forwards. But, I think we are missing Bradley's defensive presence in the middle - and if he dropped back, we would need another player to be more offensive minded, than defensive.
As it is though, it looks like Mix is settling into one of our offensive sub roles. He'll come in for one of the grinders if we are chasing a goal with 20+ minutes to go. I think the other two offensive subs will come from Bacon/Wondo, Davis (if Bedoya starts) and Yedlin - flipping Johnson to the left, and allowing Yedlin to push forward on the wing. With those options, and seeing Green play, I think it will be highly unlikely he sees the field in Brazil, absent a set of unusual circumstances.
If we are protecting a lead, or a draw, I am not sure where the defensive subs will come from - maybe Beckerman in for Jones, maybe Yedlin in for the right outside midfielder, Bedoya in if he does not start, maybe Chandler in on the left, if Beasley starts, but I expect Chandler to start.
Against Portugal and Germany, I would think we will take a more defensive approach - dropping Bradley deeper, to help clog the middle, and with less freedom to move forward. That will, of course, make goals harder to come by, with less creativity up front.
If Klinsmann called me and asked, I would recommend the 4-2-3-1, with Bradley/Jones, but I would bring Mix into the left mid-field role to act as the playmaker. Right now, I think the outside midfielders: Zusi, Davis, and Bedoya are too alike in relative skill sets. If Bradley stays up front, than I think we do need some grinders in there, who primarily serve a supporting role for both defenders and forwards. But, I think we are missing Bradley's defensive presence in the middle - and if he dropped back, we would need another player to be more offensive minded, than defensive.
As it is though, it looks like Mix is settling into one of our offensive sub roles. He'll come in for one of the grinders if we are chasing a goal with 20+ minutes to go. I think the other two offensive subs will come from Bacon/Wondo, Davis (if Bedoya starts) and Yedlin - flipping Johnson to the left, and allowing Yedlin to push forward on the wing. With those options, and seeing Green play, I think it will be highly unlikely he sees the field in Brazil, absent a set of unusual circumstances.
If we are protecting a lead, or a draw, I am not sure where the defensive subs will come from - maybe Beckerman in for Jones, maybe Yedlin in for the right outside midfielder, Bedoya in if he does not start, maybe Chandler in on the left, if Beasley starts, but I expect Chandler to start.
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yeah we talked about that in some detail in one of the soccer threads (I forget which one). Pretty disgraceful at best.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
During the last Gold Cup JK made one defensive scheme change that I liked in the last 15 minutes while protecting a lead.
He subbed in Gonzo I think for a midfielder and then stuck him in the dead middle of the defense with one responsibility: Go get every single ball in the air. It worked pretty well freeing up everyone else to man mark and with it being late and balls being pumped into the box, that fell right into Gonzo's wheel house.
I don't see any of the back 4 being subbed if we are protecting a lead unless an injury occurs. The back 4 will be supplemented with other players.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
If we're protecting a lead, I sub out Chandler, move Fabian to the left and bring in Yedlin on the right (with strict instructions not to get too adventurous).
Chandler can't go 90 now, and I don't see any way he'll be able to go 90 multiple times in Brazil. He's never been super fit even when he wasn't coming off an injury. Unfortunately, there's not a perfect option for both FB slots, but I trust Yedlin more than I trust a tiring Chandler or the Beas (I love DMB, but I just don't think he's physical enough even when he recovers).
I think this is a fascinating run up, and I remain more positive than most because the U.S. is managing to (1) get their key starters minutes without getting them injured; (2) getting time to look at different combinations and situations; and (3) still getting results. I don't expect the US to create nearly as many chances in Brazil as they did yesterday, but they also won't leave as many spaces open. But I respect the fact the Klinsmann wanted them to spend time really concentrating on creating chances against a dangerous side. Because they're likely to be in a position where they need to chase a goal against a good opponent.
Chandler can't go 90 now, and I don't see any way he'll be able to go 90 multiple times in Brazil. He's never been super fit even when he wasn't coming off an injury. Unfortunately, there's not a perfect option for both FB slots, but I trust Yedlin more than I trust a tiring Chandler or the Beas (I love DMB, but I just don't think he's physical enough even when he recovers).
I think this is a fascinating run up, and I remain more positive than most because the U.S. is managing to (1) get their key starters minutes without getting them injured; (2) getting time to look at different combinations and situations; and (3) still getting results. I don't expect the US to create nearly as many chances in Brazil as they did yesterday, but they also won't leave as many spaces open. But I respect the fact the Klinsmann wanted them to spend time really concentrating on creating chances against a dangerous side. Because they're likely to be in a position where they need to chase a goal against a good opponent.
Jaysus
Good times!
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
My official prediction remains that the US will advance out of this group.
I suspect though, that the US will play well, but not advance. I can see US beating Ghana, while Germany/Portugal draw. Then the US draws Portugal, while Germany beats Ghana. This puts it Germany 4, US 4, Portugal 2, and Ghana 0. That leaves the third game, where the US will almost need a win against Germany to advance - assuming Germany and Portugal both outscore the US v. Ghana.
I think the US really needs Germany to beat Portugal in the opening game, and the US will need 2-3 goals against Ghana.
I suspect though, that the US will play well, but not advance. I can see US beating Ghana, while Germany/Portugal draw. Then the US draws Portugal, while Germany beats Ghana. This puts it Germany 4, US 4, Portugal 2, and Ghana 0. That leaves the third game, where the US will almost need a win against Germany to advance - assuming Germany and Portugal both outscore the US v. Ghana.
I think the US really needs Germany to beat Portugal in the opening game, and the US will need 2-3 goals against Ghana.
Jaysus
Good times!
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Tom Hagen
Footballguy
I don't watch Serie A, how good is a healthy Rossi compared to the current U.S. roster. Is he comparable to Demspey or Bradley? Better?
Norman Paperman
Footballguy
Sammy3469
Footballguy
We were pretty clearly playing "skinny" on defense in the diamond with Davis and Zusi dropping back into the middle on either side of Jones and both backs also pinching in when the ball was on the other side of the field. It frankly left too much space when Turkey swung the ball (so you don't want to be doing this against Germany) especially when the went from Fab's side to Chandler's. It did give Bradley freedom, but I don't think Zusi and Davis are necessarily the two outside mids you want for defense either and left Chandler exposed.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Rossi was leading Serie A in goals before he got injured this season. Before his catastrophic injury with Villareal, he was third in La Liga in goals behind Messi and Ronaldo. He's a much more talented withdrawn striker than Deuce. A natural goal scorer. Cross-position comparisons with Bradley are tough to make. Rossi's reputation is better, but I agree with those who say that Bradley's nationality has been held against him. There are probably less than 10 club teams in the world who I think he probably shouldn't be able to be at least a rotation CM for.
