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

[El Floppo]

Speaking of Demspey... I really would have liked to see Johanson in there for the 2nd half. Didn't see Dempsey moving too much, and Johanson could have been double/triple teamed just as easily, but at least worked harder to help Bradley or Jones when they pressured high.

 

[Sinn Fein]

So lets add this all up

1) hardest or second hardest group

2) our only target player, critical to the tactics, gets hurt immediately

3) our best field player not playing close to his full ability

4) Expecting to need solid performances out of Beckerman, DMB and Gonzo

and we still advanced. It was not always pretty but I will take it.

That reminds me - big tip o'the hat to Demarcus Beasley - LB has not been an issue for us this WC.

The old man has gotten it done, with little or no fanfare.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I am drunk. I am content. It was not pretty, but I did not expect it to be. I thought that if the US could hold out long enough, Germany would have little incentive to press the accelerator after a first goal. I think that was true.

I respect the professionalism of Beckerman, who does exactly what is asked of him. And of Klinsmann, who's ruthless pragmatism allows him to select "limited" players who will do exactly what is asked of them.

And I respect JK doubly for having the balls to select Gonzo, who delivered big time.

So true.

where is the decision to start Davis on your respect-meter?

It obviously didn't work out, but I understood the process. I don't think it really hurt them to be honest. Bedoya hasn't exactly been an offensive dynamo.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Just to clear it up, do we know who we play yet on Tuesday? Is it definitely Belgium? Or at this point, can it be anyone?

>99% Belgium.

Oddsmakers say it's 96-97% Belgium.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Just to clear it up, do we know who we play yet on Tuesday? Is it definitely Belgium? Or at this point, can it be anyone?

>99% Belgium.

OK. Thanks.

 

[El Floppo]

So lets add this all up

1) hardest or second hardest group

2) our only target player, critical to the tactics, gets hurt immediately

3) our best field player not playing close to his full ability

4) Expecting to need solid performances out of Beckerman, DMB and Gonzo

and we still advanced. It was not always pretty but I will take it.

That reminds me - big tip o'the hat to Demarcus Beasley - LB has not been an issue for us this WC.

The old man has gotten it done, with little or no fanfare.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

That reminds me - big tip o'the hat to Demarcus Beasley - LB has not been an issue for us this WC.

The old man has gotten it done, with little or no fanfare.

Yeah... 20 minutes into the Ghana game it didn't look so hot, but he's really settled down. Another feather in JK's cap.

 

[El Floppo]

I am drunk. I am content. It was not pretty, but I did not expect it to be. I thought that if the US could hold out long enough, Germany would have little incentive to press the accelerator after a first goal. I think that was true.

I respect the professionalism of Beckerman, who does exactly what is asked of him. And of Klinsmann, who's ruthless pragmatism allows him to select "limited" players who will do exactly what is asked of them.

And I respect JK doubly for having the balls to select Gonzo, who delivered big time.

So true.

where is the decision to start Davis on your respect-meter?

It obviously didn't work out, but I understood the process. I don't think it really hurt them to be honest. Bedoya hasn't exactly been an offensive dynamo.

agree with this.

eta: that said, I still yadayadayada Landon Donovan.

 

[TheIronSheik]

afternoon start on Tuesday blows. The lunchtime match was great. Not enough cover for a late PM "lunch"

I agree. I was able to watch this at work, but this one could be tougher.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I thought Bradley sucked today, but Im sure a person or 2 will disagree

was not at his best.

again.

but worked his ### off and helped plug the middle up. but his offensive game needs to pick up for hte US to have a chance next week.

Yeah he ran around a lot. Unfortunately this is the world cup, not a cross country race. Not sure what is wrong with his touch. Maybe he needs to change up cleats or something. He's not playing physical enough and his distribution has been shaky. He did create one or two good opportunities in the Germany game but still seemed to struggle in space. But he's the best we've got, and hopefully he brings his best in the next game.

 

[B Maverick]

So lets add this all up

1) hardest or second hardest group

2) our only target player, critical to the tactics, gets hurt immediately

3) our best field player not playing close to his full ability

4) Expecting to need solid performances out of Beckerman, DMB and Gonzo

and we still advanced. It was not always pretty but I will take it.

That reminds me - big tip o'the hat to Demarcus Beasley - LB has not been an issue for us this WC.

The old man has gotten it done, with little or no fanfare.

definitely

 

[QuizGuy66]

Just to clear it up, do we know who we play yet on Tuesday? Is it definitely Belgium? Or at this point, can it be anyone?

>99% Belgium.

OK. Thanks.

Scenario for the US opponent is very clear cut:

If Algeria beats Russia and South Korea beats Belgium, we play Algeria. Goal differential would not come into play at all - Algeria would have that.

In all other cases, the US would play Belgium.

-QG

 

[Christo]

Speaking of Demspey... I really would have liked to see Johanson in there for the 2nd half. Didn't see Dempsey moving too much, and Johanson could have been double/triple teamed just as easily, but at least worked harder to help Bradley or Jones when they pressured high.

I'm not sure what you're talking about. There were times Dempsey was 10-15 yards inside his own half.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

agreed on Beasley. I couldn't believe he was our best option coming into this tournament, but he's been solid.

 

[El Floppo]

Speaking of Demspey... I really would have liked to see Johanson in there for the 2nd half. Didn't see Dempsey moving too much, and Johanson could have been double/triple teamed just as easily, but at least worked harder to help Bradley or Jones when they pressured high.

I'm not sure what you're talking about. There were times Dempsey was 10-15 yards inside his own half.

Really? I guess I missed this.

 

[El Floppo]

agreed on Beasley. I couldn't believe he was our best option coming into this tournament, but he's been solid.

He was solid through qualifying.

 

[Sammy3469]

Bradley, for me, had a mixed game. His touch is non-exisitant. But I really thought he brought some good energy and pressuring today.

When you consider the fact that we built a team to have a lone striker who has speed, and can hold the ball up, and we have played most of the group stage without said striker - we have done amazingly well.

If, big if, Jozy can get healthy, I think that helps everyone, including Bradley, by taking some of the pressure off of controlling the ball.

yeah- good stuff.

the thing that worries me with Bradley is that he's not a mistake-prone player... especially the types of mistakes he's been making. everybody's going to lose the ball here and there, make the bad pass- but he's clanging his first touch... not typical for him.

I'm hoping he can catch his breath and find some form on the ball for the next game. none of us will doubt his commitment or workrate (except the people who looked at one play and thought he was lazy), but his play has gotten us all used to seeing him be consistently smart and useful with the ball, not smashing his first touch straight to the other team.

Well between the rain (the amount of bad first touches from everyone was almost comical) and his workrate (he ran 13km with Jones being the 2nd most at 11.5), I think that's the explanation.

One of the bad side effects of Jozy's injury is it forces both Jones and Bradley to make more runs which saps their touch as the game goes on. Granted Bradley's wasn't great from the start, but all that running doesn't help.

the rain didn't seem to bother the Germans' (German Germans) touch.

Jones and Bradley were both clanging the ball before they had put in the miles... but wow- that's the most I've seen somebody run. he was killing himself putting high pressure up top... with Dempsey walking around and not covering back for him.

I thought the German Germans first touch was pretty dreadful for German Germans all things considered and definitely in the last attacking third. It affected how they attacked and slowed them down a bunch.

One of the reasons the game was so dreadful was no one could reliably spin the ball (if memory/booze serves a couple of Germany's first good chances were foiled on passes that never curled to their intended targets). Hell even Muller's goal was a side kick that he placed more than anything.

 

[Ilov80s]

Beasley has been a great example of how an aging player can transition into a defensive minded role and find new life.

 

[Mjolnirs]

All three Gunners :(

What does this mean? (soccer n00b here)

The three Arsenal (Gunners is the nickname) players from Germany are all starting.Ozil, Mertesacker, and Podolski(has been on the bench the first two games).

I'm an Arsenal fan, so it will suck cheering against them.

Six German starters play for Bayern. It was really odd for me.

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

He is such a good player.

 

[TenTimes]

nice, we get the late game next time around

Tuesday 4pm eastern for anyone who hasn't looked yet.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I didn't realize Eden Hazard didn't even play in that game against the US.

That said, Ozil was relatively invisible today at times, and I could see the US potentially neutralizing Hazard for stretches as well.

But the thought of the Kraken lurking around the penalty spot with Gonzalez as his mark scares me.

Lukaku may have played himself out of the starting lineup this world cup. He's been dire.

It's gotta be Origi then, right?

Mirallas up top?

Looks to me like they have just a bunch of pacy wingers and Lukaku/Origi.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Beasley has been a great example of how an aging player can transition into a defensive minded role and find new life.

when Atsu made him look like a top for the first 70 minutes of the Ghana I was very worried. I did not realize how good Atsu was which hurt my appreciation of his play.

From the moment Atsu subbed out, DMB has been very very solid.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

 

[The Gator]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

Jones, even with a slightly off day today he was everywhere

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brian Sciaretta @BrianSciaretta · 4h
Sources are telling me that there is now lots of interest from clubs in England & Germany for #usmnt defender Matt Besler

 

[Steve Tasker]

It's gotta be Origi then, right?

Mirallas up top?

Looks to me like they have just a bunch of pacy wingers and Lukaku/Origi.

Looks like they've got three forwards right now....Mertens and Januzaj on the wings, Mirallas in the middle?

As good as Mirallas is and has bad as Lukaku has been...Lukaku just strikes so much more fear into my heart. Besler has to be able to outmuscle Mirallas in the box......right?

 

[Ilov80s]

Beasley has been a great example of how an aging player can transition into a defensive minded role and find new life.

when Atsu made him look like a top for the first 70 minutes of the Ghana I was very worried. I did not realize how good Atsu was which hurt my appreciation of his play.

From the moment Atsu subbed out, DMB has been very very solid.

Who does he matchup with Belgium? Hazard?

 

[Steve Tasker]

It's gotta be Origi then, right?

Mirallas up top?

Looks to me like they have just a bunch of pacy wingers and Lukaku/Origi.

Looks like they've got three forwards right now....Mertens and Januzaj on the wings, Mirallas in the middle?

As good as Mirallas is and has bad as Lukaku has been...Lukaku just strikes so much more fear into my heart. Besler has to be able to outmuscle Mirallas in the box......right?

That said, we probably can't put too much stock in this lineup....Witsel, Hazard, and de Bruyne are all on the bench.

 

[Sinn Fein]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

Can't quite put a finger on it - but I am not a Besler fan.

Best player is probably Deuce - not called on for much activity, but both of his goals were great plays. He misses a good striker partner though.

Jones has been perhaps the most important player - he brings a toughness and an energy to the midfield that we need. Just a cracking goal too.

Beckerman has been very solid, though not spectacular.

Fabian Johnson deserves some mention - great threat going forward, a few miscues in positioning, but one of the few US players I trust with the ball at his feet.

 

[QuizGuy66]

In Russia, goal scores you!

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Believe it or not, South Korea scores two goals here and nothing else happens - they are through.

-QG

 

[AAABatteries]

Definitely Jones.

Johnson has looked great too IMO.

 

[TenTimes]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

This is how I know I don't know soccer, I would have thought Dempsey (2 goals), but he's not even on your list.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Besler pretty easily as MVP thus far for me.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Today, during the middle of the second half, I said to myself "Is Besler on the field?" Since I subscribe to the theory that if you don't notice a center-back, it means he's doing a great job, I was pretty pleased with that.

Jones is probably my player of the tournament so far. Besler and Fab not far behind.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Jones stands out to me.

Bradley feet seem to made of brick. Terrible first touches all tournament.

Love the yedlin kid, I'd like to see him a little earlier in the game.

 

[Ilov80s]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

This is how I know I don't know soccer, I would have thought Dempsey (2 goals), but he's not even on your list.

Goals are great, but often the result of being at the right place at the right time. A good forward may do very little for 80+ minutes of the game. Think of a goal line back in football or a WR that catches 3 passes for 30 yards and 2 TDs. He may have scored the most points, but wasn't as valuable as the possession WR that caught 7 for 120 or the corner that didn't record a single stat because he just shut his man down the whole game and never got tested.

 

[Sinn Fein]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

This is how I know I don't know soccer, I would have thought Dempsey (2 goals), but he's not even on your list.

Goals are great, but often the result of being at the right place at the right time. A good forward may do very little for 80+ minutes of the game. Think of a goal line back in football or a WR that catches 3 passes for 30 yards and 2 TDs. He may have scored the most points, but wasn't as valuable as the possession WR that caught 7 for 120 or the corner that didn't record a single stat because he just shut his man down the whole game and never got tested.

7/120 doesn't mean #### if you can't punch it in.

 

[AAABatteries]

Besler pretty easily as MVP thus far for me.

Over Jones? He's been solid but Jones has done more IMO.

 

[Ilov80s]

So over the first 3 games, who is your best US player?

Besler has been extremely solid for 2.5 games

Jones was fantastic in his first two, and just kind of average today

DMB has been solid from the moment Atsu got subbed

Beckerman has been very solid for 3 games with today arguably his best

Anyone else?

This is how I know I don't know soccer, I would have thought Dempsey (2 goals), but he's not even on your list.

Goals are great, but often the result of being at the right place at the right time. A good forward may do very little for 80+ minutes of the game. Think of a goal line back in football or a WR that catches 3 passes for 30 yards and 2 TDs. He may have scored the most points, but wasn't as valuable as the possession WR that caught 7 for 120 or the corner that didn't record a single stat because he just shut his man down the whole game and never got tested.

7/120 doesn't mean #### if you can't punch it in.

And 3 for 30 doesn't mean #### if someone else can't get you to the redzone first.

 

[GroveDiesel]

So lets add this all up

1) hardest or second hardest group

2) our only target player, critical to the tactics, gets hurt immediately

3) our best field player not playing close to his full ability

4) Expecting to need solid performances out of Beckerman, DMB and Gonzo

and we still advanced. It was not always pretty but I will take it.

Don't forget:

5) Traveling more than any team in group play

6) Having to play in the toughest venue to play in before playing Germany

7) Playing on 3 days rest versus 4 days for Germany despite just playing in the toughest conditions.

 

[AAABatteries]

Just looking at the bracket - that Costa Rica v Greece match - one of these things is not like the other. If you need to schedule an appt during a match, pick that one.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Besler pretty easily as MVP thus far for me.

Over Jones? He's been solid but Jones has done more IMO.

Love Jones' effort but he has not passed the ball well. Besler has played mistake-free for 5 halves.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Believe it or not, South Korea scores two goals here and nothing else happens - they are through.

-QG

No thanks. I want Asian humiliation to be complete. And to steal their half slot for 2018

 

[Eephus]

So lets add this all up

1) hardest or second hardest group

2) our only target player, critical to the tactics, gets hurt immediately

3) our best field player not playing close to his full ability

4) Expecting to need solid performances out of Beckerman, DMB and Gonzo

and we still advanced. It was not always pretty but I will take it.

Don't forget:

5) Traveling more than any team in group play

6) Having to play in the toughest venue to play in before playing Germany

7) Playing on 3 days rest versus 4 days for Germany despite just playing in the toughest conditions.

 

[Sammy3469]

I just realized I scheduled my flight to Croatia over the two days there's no WC action coming up after the round of 16.

 

[Christo]

I'm with Alejandro; no question about it

 

[AAABatteries]

We all wanted Belgium's group before our name was drawn - playing the big what-if game, we'd be looking at a matchup with Germany in the Round of 16 if we were runner's up in Group H.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Whoa straight red - Belgium dude Delfour stomped onthe Korea. They are down to 10 men now.

Prospect of South Korea sneaking through with a 2-0 victory at least have entered the realm of the possible now...

-QG

 

[ffldrew]

Technically studs were down