***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Carter_Can_Fly]

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

Doesn't deserve blame? Give me a break.

See the problem here is although it was a mistake and Bradley's fault for losing the ball I think you have to look at it from a whole.

Bradley is a great player, but not world class. It is the 90th minute and he had tired legs. You can argue that the guy who took the ball made a great play if you look at it from the other side. Bradley's work rate should never be judged though. He worked tirelessly all game. I will admit his 2nd half was sub but in saying that he is facing far too much blame in my opinion. I have said it before but he is a very important part for the US team going forward in this tourney. He will be the first one to tell you he needs to make that play at the 93 minute mark, but he is definitely taking too much heat from the masses.

 

[QuizGuy66]

great freaking game though.

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

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

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

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

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

for sure

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

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

speaking of yellows...

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

Probably a reputation thing.

-QG

 

[General Malaise]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

One of your posts would surely be dumber.

I just alerted all movie and music critics and told them to cease and desist, for they cannot do 10% of what their subjects can do.

 

[El Floppo]

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

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

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

I didn't see it in the the same- obviously the goat of the game- way you guys did.

I kept wondering whether Bedoya was even on the field or not... but I assume his role was to chase and offer support on Ronaldo, so was quiet/non-existant around the ball.

 

[HellToupee]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problem with Bradley was his few missteps were glaring so they are polarizing

 

[QuizGuy66]

You may noticed that I'm not flustered by the discussion either way with Bradley. It's valid to take issue with how he played at the end and at other points in the game. It's also valid to note that pound for pound he's still going to be the best guy to go with for game 3 given his history and usual level of play. The fact that there's a little and in this thread about the team is a healthy thing overall IMO

-QG

 

[Bronx Bomber]

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

The revelation of the tournament.

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

MoM?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go back and read his posts for the last six hours. One long string of blinkered criticism -- from before the game on.

 

[gump]

Bradley got the pub unfortunately coming in as the best player on the US. Everyone can see he hasn't been that. No different than a star QB or RB who disappears in the spotlight.

 

[The Gator]

great freaking game though.

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

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

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

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

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

for sure

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

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

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

-QG

Don't know,,,would the US rather be qualified on 6 points and have to play Germany with 0 pressure on getting through sans Almeida or their current positions?

I'd take 100% qualified minus one player over having to play a German side needing a result to get though

 

[QuizGuy66]

Just realized there will probably be another 50 pages by game time tomorrow and I'll have to rebump my group A and B scenarios

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

gotcha.

I didn't bother with the critique of critiquing, because... all we do is critique, why would it stop being any more or less acceptable now? some less valid, maybe, but not less acceptable.

 

[bryhamm]

some terrible fishing going on.

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

Um, they didn't lose.

doh. should have said "didn't win".

 

[JaxBill]

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

The revelation of the tournament.

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

MoM?

YeS DeaR?

(Man of the Match)

 

[QuizGuy66]

great freaking game though.

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

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

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

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

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

for sure

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

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

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

-QG

Don't know,,,would the US rather be qualified on 6 points and have to play Germany with 0 pressure on getting through sans Almeida or their current positions?

I'd take 100% qualified minus one player over having to play a German side needing a result to get though

Pretty much agreed that I wouldn't mind a card being taken there. It was a viable strategy and wouldn't be faulted, especially if the desired result occurred (and especially since the red would be of no consequence as the guy would just sit game 3).

-QG

 

[El Floppo]

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

The revelation of the tournament.

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

MoM?

Man O' Match

 

[The Gator]

great freaking game though.

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

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

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

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

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

for sure

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

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

speaking of yellows...

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

yeah thought there should have been more cars out overall. Jones' tackle was real nice, at maximum a regular foul

 

[Short Corner]

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

The revelation of the tournament.

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

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

No war needed.

 

[rockaction]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then your issue is with the level of the criticism, not the act of it by those who couldn't perform on that level. Got it. Appreciate all posts in the thread, and I should end here.

eta* And you agreed a few posts up. Nice.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

You may noticed that I'm not flustered by the discussion either way with Bradley. It's valid to take issue with how he played at the end and at other points in the game. It's also valid to note that pound for pound he's still going to be the best guy to go with for game 3 given his history and usual level of play. The fact that there's a little and in this thread about the team is a healthy thing overall IMO

-QG

yeah, I understand the criticism. he was flat out bad in Game 1 and was on the wrong end of some really key moments in this one. overall, I think he was solid and contributed to the US's impressive possession numbers today, but anyone who turns the ball over there (even if it took a few great plays by Portugal to capitalize and some poor marking by the US defense) is going to take some heat.

Cameron should be the clear goat, but I guess nobody cares about him because he doesn't have the profile that Bradley does.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Fab is 26 already... he'll be 30 in the next World Cup. This is probably his best chance.

 

[HellToupee]

Mike Tirico is fascinating on the telestrator/touchboard thingy

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bradley got the pub unfortunately coming in as the best player on the US. Everyone can see he hasn't been that. No different than a star QB or RB who disappears in the spotlight.

link to anyone saying he's better than Dempsey or Howard?

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Problem with Bradley was his few missteps were glaring so they are polarizing

I guess fair enough. To me, they weren't glaring mistakes, so I'm in complete disagreement at the level of criticism being dumped on the guy.

 

[Rove!]

tired or not, you the end of the game is nigh and the world class opposition is desperate. Bradley can't remain maintain his stamina for just one more minute?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Mike Tirico is fascinating on the telestrator/touchboard thingy

 

[El Floppo]

Bradley got the pub unfortunately coming in as the best player on the US. Everyone can see he hasn't been that. No different than a star QB or RB who disappears in the spotlight.

Ok- I get this more than any of the rest of tonights "issues".

Yeah- he's had... for him... one terrible game (Ghana), and one meh game with moments of really good stuff mixed with moments of bad.

 

[Short Corner]

76% on 538 seems a little generous IMO

 

[El Floppo]

You may noticed that I'm not flustered by the discussion either way with Bradley. It's valid to take issue with how he played at the end and at other points in the game. It's also valid to note that pound for pound he's still going to be the best guy to go with for game 3 given his history and usual level of play. The fact that there's a little and in this thread about the team is a healthy thing overall IMO

-QG

yeah, I understand the criticism. he was flat out bad in Game 1 and was on the wrong end of some really key moments in this one. overall, I think he was solid and contributed to the US's impressive possession numbers today, but anyone who turns the ball over there (even if it took a few great plays by Portugal to capitalize and some poor marking by the US defense) is going to take some heat.

Cameron should be the clear goat, but I guess nobody cares about him because he doesn't have the profile that Bradley does.

Yeah- for me, Cameron's fluke flub and momentary loss of the guy who scored the goal, puts him more directly in the crosshairs. But Cameron also played some good stuff outside of those two plays.

I can see people saying- what happened to Bradley on that last play... lost the ball cheaply and didn't seem to get back. But pinning the game on him? Seems myopic and not clear on the role he had on the rest of the game.

 

[El Floppo]

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this is fantastic.

 

[HellToupee]

I like this laid back set on world cup tonight

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

You may noticed that I'm not flustered by the discussion either way with Bradley. It's valid to take issue with how he played at the end and at other points in the game. It's also valid to note that pound for pound he's still going to be the best guy to go with for game 3 given his history and usual level of play. The fact that there's a little and in this thread about the team is a healthy thing overall IMO

-QG

yeah, I understand the criticism. he was flat out bad in Game 1 and was on the wrong end of some really key moments in this one. overall, I think he was solid and contributed to the US's impressive possession numbers today, but anyone who turns the ball over there (even if it took a few great plays by Portugal to capitalize and some poor marking by the US defense) is going to take some heat.

Cameron should be the clear goat, but I guess nobody cares about him because he doesn't have the profile that Bradley does.

Yeah- for me, Cameron's fluke flub and momentary loss of the guy who scored the goal, puts him more directly in the crosshairs. But Cameron also played some good stuff outside of those two plays.

I can see people saying- what happened to Bradley on that last play... lost the ball cheaply and didn't seem to get back. But pinning the game on him? Seems myopic and not clear on the role he had on the rest of the game.

Great post. Bradley was all over the field. He was super important to the US team playing as well as they did all game. They are not in that position to win had he not played an important role throughout the rest of the game. His second half was not good and he made some mistakes, but no way that game should be pinned on him.

 

[Premier]

76% on 538 seems a little generous IMO

It is.

For Ghana and Portugal.

 

[El Floppo]

ok- in that last minute, was JK waving at the team to press high, or waving at them to run back?

 

[The Gator]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I probably overreacted to GM in regards to laying the blame(don't think it was him who said it). It's more of an understanding of what these guys go through. To criticize bradley for being lazy(which GM didn't do) or Howard for having a bad game is silly imo.

 

[El Floppo]

great freaking game though.

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

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

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

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

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

for sure

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

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

speaking of yellows...

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

Probably a reputation thing.

-QG

good thing Beckerman's rep doesn't apparently leave the region in that case.

 

[El Floppo]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I probably overreacted to GM in regards to laying the blame(don't think it was him who said it). It's more of an understanding of what these guys go through. To criticize bradley for being lazy(which GM didn't do) or Howard for having a bad game is silly imo.

if I'm going to pick one word to define Bradley... lazy? never.

 

[The Gator]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I probably overreacted to GM in regards to laying the blame(don't think it was him who said it). It's more of an understanding of what these guys go through. To criticize bradley for being lazy(which GM didn't do) or Howard for having a bad game is silly imo.

if I'm going to pick one word to define Bradley... lazy? never.

exactly

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

ok- in that last minute, was JK waving at the team to press high, or waving at them to run back?

I think he was actually pushing them up. I am assuming he did not want them to sit back. Generally in that situation with the throw in deep in Portugal end you want your team up more specifically your back line up as to not allow a long ball from the back to put instant pressure on you.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Are people seriously finding fault with Howard or Bradley here?

wtf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I probably overreacted to GM in regards to laying the blame(don't think it was him who said it). It's more of an understanding of what these guys go through. To criticize bradley for being lazy(which GM didn't do) or Howard for having a bad game is silly imo.

if I'm going to pick one word to define Bradley... lazy? never.

exactly

Ya that is ridiculous. He is known for having one of the best work rates of any midfielder's going. At one stage he was getting time with Roma for having a great work rate.

 

[Txns8]

Bradley has committed two turnovers. Both were excellent ideas that didn't pan out. Playmakers are going to turn the ball over.

Just catching up here. Perma-ban worthy?

 

[Premier]

@KurtLarSUN: Klinsmann asked about collusion with GER: "The US is known to give all they have in every single game, otherwise Mexico wouldn't be here."

 

[The Gator]

@KurtLarSUN: Klinsmann asked about collusion with GER: "The US is known to give all they have in every single game, otherwise Mexico wouldn't be here."

Well put, JK

 

[Steve Tasker]

Bradley got the pub unfortunately coming in as the best player on the US. Everyone can see he hasn't been that. No different than a star QB or RB who disappears in the spotlight.

link to anyone saying he's better than Dempsey or Howard?

IMO he's better than both Dempsey and Howard.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

half of Portugal's players were just walking at the end, thinking the game was over when Bradley got that ball.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bradley got the pub unfortunately coming in as the best player on the US. Everyone can see he hasn't been that. No different than a star QB or RB who disappears in the spotlight.

link to anyone saying he's better than Dempsey or Howard?

IMO he's better than both Dempsey and Howard.

really? interesting

 

[Bronx Bomber]

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the refs letting these guys play for the most part. Every time a guy was taken out I cringed waiting for the inevitable penalty that mostly did not come tonight. Nice job. I could have done without the Jones yellow card but oh well.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

76% on 538 seems a little generous IMO

At Oddschecker (vig backed out):

Germany 96.9%

US 79.1%

Ghana 14.1%

Portugal 9.9%

 

[El Floppo]

ok- in that last minute, was JK waving at the team to press high, or waving at them to run back?

I think he was actually pushing them up. I am assuming he did not want them to sit back. Generally in that situation with the throw in deep in Portugal end you want your team up more specifically your back line up as to not allow a long ball from the back to put instant pressure on you.

totally disagree.

last minute, up a goal- I want numbers back so I don't have chase the ball on a counter and give up... the goal they gave up. If they're going to beat me on a long ball with my guys facing the ball and between it and the goal- mazel tov.

 

[Txns8]

Landon Donovan looks like he's filming a hostage video.

-QG

Post of the year?