***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

Not too much love for Zusi here. I like the way he has played.

he has come as advertised. We knew from his club play and his previous appearances for US that he was not great and not a liability. He is the best server of the ball for the US but he has not gotten into enough decent crossing positions and the US is winning very few free kicks and corners so far.

His work rate has been top notch defensively even if he is a touch slow.

 

[B Maverick]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

 

[El Floppo]

Just realized I'm going on vacation next week...

any recommendations for where to watch the games in lovely and cultured Ocean City, Maryland (Ocean Pines)?

I remember being down there years' ago for a qualifying game- went to a place called the Green Turtle and had to beg the manager to get one of their 9000 TVs (in a corner by the bathroom) to play the game instead of pre-season Ravens.

I think it'll be different this time.

The Green Turtle is showing games. Here is a list for Maryland

MARYLAND

Baltimore

Abbey Burger Bistro | 1041 Marshall Street | @Abbey_Burger

Barracudas Tavern | 1230 East Fort Avenue

In Like Flynn Tavern | 1371 Andre Street

MaGerk's Pub | 1061 South Charles Street | @magerkspubFH

Miguel's Cocina y Cantina | 1200 Stuart Street | @miguelscocina

No Idea Tavern | 1649 S. Hanover Street | @NoIdeaTavern

Slainte | 1700 Thames Street | @Slaintepub

Bel Air

Magerks Pub | 120 South Bond Street

Kingsville

Gunpowder Lodge | 10092 Belair Road

La Plata

The Greene Turtle | 6 St. Marys Avenue #104

Parkville

Racers' Cafe | 7732 Harford Road

nearly every bar in Baltimore that has TVs is showing the World Cup.

well ladeeda.

 

[Eephus]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

The obvious problem in even numbered years is that the touring team's roster will be more depleted than usual. The All-star game falls 3 1/2 weeks after the WC final. I doubt anybody who advances as far as the semifinals will even show for the US tour.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Heh. I just tried to remember my log in at Big Soccer and pulled it out of nowhere. Last post there was 7/9/2007.

 

[B Maverick]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

The obvious problem in even numbered years is that the touring team's roster will be more depleted than usual. The All-star game falls 3 1/2 weeks after the WC final. I doubt anybody who advances as far as the semifinals will even show for the US tour.

Thats true. We have tix to the United v LA Galaxy game July 22nd and were talking about this. With England and Spain's early exit we should get several high profile players like Rooney, De Gea and Mata and recent signing Herrera and Shaw. I am guessing we wont be seeing RVP. I expect Chicharito and Januzaj will be there too after the USA knocks Belgium out and Hollad beats MX....

 

[Eephus]

I can understand Oscar Tabarez trying to rally the team and country but FIFA and the English press are the least likely set of co-conspirators imaginable.

 

[Slider6]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

 

[NewlyRetired]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

as you can imagine this has changed over the years, especially as formations have changed but here is a very rough guide for a basic 4-4-2

#1= Goalkeeper

#2= full back

#3= full back

#4= centre back

#5= centre back

#6= centre mid

#7= winger

#8= centre mid

#9= striker

#10= striker

#11= winger

 

[boubucarow]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

as you can imagine this has changed over the years, especially as formations have changed but here is a very rough guide for a basic 4-4-2

#1= Goalkeeper

#2= full back

#3= full back

#4= centre back

#5= centre back

#6= centre mid - Holding or Defensive Midfielder like Kyle Beckerman

#7= winger

#8= centre mid

#9= striker - Your goal scorer.

#10= striker - Often applies to your most creative attacker. Think Messi.

#11= winger

A "false 9" is for a team like Spain or Germany lately who do not have a true forward/striker to play but instead play a bunch of attacking midfielders with one being a "false 9".

 

[Sinn Fein]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

It really varies by tactics and systems, but generally speaking a #9 is a center forward.

A False-9 is someone who plays as a center forward, but roams out of position - more like a midfielder - the idea being that if a defender is marking the false-9, the false-9 will roam, and take the defender with him - out of position - allowing other players to run into that empty space.

 

[Slider6]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

Another one I just thought of. You guys keep calling Jozy a holding forward (or something like that) and that nobody else on the team has that skillset. What is a holding forward? As opposed to a striker or normal forward.

 

[Sinn Fein]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

Another one I just thought of. You guys keep calling Jozy a holding forward (or something like that) and that nobody else on the team has that skillset. What is a holding forward? As opposed to a striker or normal forward.

More just a skill-set than a specific position. Jozy has a big body, and can literally hold the ball up - away from defenders - if the midfielders just push the ball upfield. That gives the team time to breath, and to set up in the attacking end without having to work so hard in the midfield to maintain possession - not a strong suit for us right now.

The other forwards have different strengths - Wondolowski is a poacher - meaning he finds space near the goal and knock in goals that are close in. Aron Johansson and Dempsey are better served as a withdrawn forward, or playing slightly behind the main striker and supporting with creative passes or runs.

The US really does not have another target forward like Jozy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

Another one I just thought of. You guys keep calling Jozy a holding forward (or something like that) and that nobody else on the team has that skillset. What is a holding forward? As opposed to a striker or normal forward.

Great question. Target forward is the term.

A target forward typically is a player who is furthest up field by himself. Long ball passes can be "targeted" to him. His job is while getting abused, to settle and hold the ball waiting for his team mates to get closer to him.

This skill set sometimes demands a big physical preference since while you are trying to settle and hold the ball you will have one or two center backs trying to crack you from behind.

Jozy was the only forward on the roster who had the physical make up to handle this. We have a couple of other guys who could have filled in but they were not part of the 23 man roster.

Dempsey is doing his best in that role but he is taking a beating which limits his creativity which is his strong suit for the US.

 

[NewlyRetired]

14.2 million tv viewers for the Germany game. That is fantastic for a noon week day time slot.

10.8 on ESPN and 3.4 on Univision

Another 2+ million watched on Univision and ESPN streams.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now that we have exorcised the Ghana demons, I wonder if we draw Portugal again if their fans will say "oh no, not the US again"

That might be a first

 

[NewlyRetired]

ESPN average viewers per group play game:

2006: 1,691,000

2010: 2,429,000

2014: 3,540,000

 

[Spartans Rule]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

For a little history, for years the standard formation was a 2-3-5 and teams were required to have players wear the numbers 1-11 in accordance with their positions. The goalkeeper was 1, the defenders 2 and 3, midfielders 4-6, and forwards 7-11.

The center forward, #9, was generally the best goal scorer, and #10 was the forward that dropped back into a more playmaking position.

 

[NewlyRetired]

For any newbie, Grantland wrote a great piece on how to watch soccer like us nerds do. Lots of excellent info in here.

http://grantland.com/features/how-to-watch-the-world-cup-like-a-true-soccer-nerd/

 

[17seconds]

ESPN average viewers per group play game:

2006: 1,691,000

2010: 2,429,000

2014: 3,540,000

If no vuvuzelas then the 2010 number is over 3mil.

US audience had a hard time with that

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

ESPN average viewers per group play game:

2006: 1,691,000

2010: 2,429,000

2014: 3,540,000

That's a very smooth 10% per year increase. Compounded annually it's a 109% improvement over 8 years.

 

[Slider6]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

Another one I just thought of. You guys keep calling Jozy a holding forward (or something like that) and that nobody else on the team has that skillset. What is a holding forward? As opposed to a striker or normal forward.

Thanks for the answers guy. I was pretty much correct in what I had deduced, but wanted to make sure.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I think Ramsay may have written that Grantland article.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

What do you guys think of giving a full sixth spot to conmebol and taking one away from Asia for WC2018? Conmebol has been excellent over the last decade while Asia has stunk.

Yeah, ok Venezuela wife.

lol

 

[Eephus]

OK, I've finally caught up. Now I have a noob-type question.

Explain position numbers. I've read talk of a "false 9" or someone else was a 6. I assume they correlate to positions on the pitch, but they aren't as black and white as the baseball 1-9.

Another one I just thought of. You guys keep calling Jozy a holding forward (or something like that) and that nobody else on the team has that skillset. What is a holding forward? As opposed to a striker or normal forward.

Great question.Target forward is the term.

A target forward typically is a player who is furthest up field by himself. Long ball passes can be "targeted" to him. His job is while getting abused, to settle and hold the ball waiting for his team mates to get closer to him.

This skill set sometimes demands a big physical preference since while you are trying to settle and hold the ball you will have one or two center backs trying to crack you from behind.

Jozy was the only forward on the roster who had the physical make up to handle this. We have a couple of other guys who could have filled in but they were not part of the 23 man roster.

Dempsey is doing his best in that role but he is taking a beating which limits his creativity which is his strong suit for the US.

Jozy isn't a classic target man because he's not that great with his head. He also doesn't y'know score goals The USA has missed Jozy's ability to keep possession while the other players advance into attacking position.

But the classic center forward role has evolved as more teams play with the ball on the ground. Of all the forwards in Brazil, I think Edin Dzeko best fits the bill physically but B&H wasn't playing him like Andy Carroll.

 

[jamny]

I just realized I'll be in Vegas for the final game.

 

[gianmarco]

I think i am starting to get a handle on it

what i need to do is pay attention and go into the soccer thread and ask when i am not sure what a match is

You asked some great questions and I was very recently similarly in the same spot you were in. Here's a couple things I'd suggest reading to help with some of the things you asked.

1) Subscribe to Soccer America's "Soccer on TV" : Go here

You can get as little or as much as you want. The "Soccer on TV" is a must, IMO. It sends you an email each day with matches that are coming up. It allows you to see when a lot of these matches are taking place and then you can specifically read about it to learn. After having done this the last couple years, I now have a decent handle on the schedule of various tournaments (both International and Club). Here is an example of what it will look like

2) The wiki on WC qualifying is excellent, IMO: Here

From there, you can click on each confederation to see how they each do their process, like CONCACAF

3) Post and read along in the soccer thread. It can move along at a fast pace, especially when big fixtures come up, but it's not that difficult and doesn't move THAT fast. The guys that post there are truly great and helpful and have welcomed newbs like me on a regular basis. I've finally graduated to novice level, I think. But in all seriousness, it's a truly exceptional thread with great information and good spirited shtick.

4) I joined a fantasy EPL league 2 years ago to force myself to follow games and players. Awesome decision as it accomplished exactly what I had hoped for. And, of course, partnering up with RHE this year, we pretty easily took 1st place against the rest of those schlubs. So aside from really easy money, it really is a great way to learn about players. It pours over into me following along with other domestic leagues like La Liga and Serie A, etc.

The beauty is that there is almost ALWAYS a soccer match on TV. Now, it's very common to just have games on in the background at home and you really start to get an appreciation for various levels of play. Before, I used to just love watching WC. Now, after watching the club teams, you realize just how great some of these players can take this game.

 

[Sebowski]

I think Ramsay may have written that Grantland article.

Nope. No 5-3-2

 

[Christo]

USA USA USA! http://i.imgur.com/NfSnTA8.gif

Just because it needs to be posted again.

USA! USA! USA!​

 

[AcerFC]

Just realized I'm going on vacation next week...

any recommendations for where to watch the games in lovely and cultured Ocean City, Maryland (Ocean Pines)?

I remember being down there years' ago for a qualifying game- went to a place called the Green Turtle and had to beg the manager to get one of their 9000 TVs (in a corner by the bathroom) to play the game instead of pre-season Ravens.

I think it'll be different this time.

The Green Turtle is showing games. Here is a list for MarylandMARYLAND

Baltimore

Abbey Burger Bistro | 1041 Marshall Street | @Abbey_Burger

Barracudas Tavern | 1230 East Fort Avenue

In Like Flynn Tavern | 1371 Andre Street

MaGerk's Pub | 1061 South Charles Street | @magerkspubFH

Miguel's Cocina y Cantina | 1200 Stuart Street | @miguelscocina

No Idea Tavern | 1649 S. Hanover Street | @NoIdeaTavern

Slainte | 1700 Thames Street | @Slaintepub

Bel Air

Magerks Pub | 120 South Bond Street

Kingsville

Gunpowder Lodge | 10092 Belair Road

La Plata

The Greene Turtle | 6 St. Marys Avenue #104

Parkville

Racers' Cafe | 7732 Harford Road

nearly every bar in Baltimore that has TVs is showing the World Cup.

well ladeeda.

floppo, pm me if you want to come to my place and watch. At minimum, im a 2 block walk to the green turtle. Im sure my wife wont mind some random internet guy coming over

 

[The Gator]

I think Ramsay may have written that Grantland article.

Does it read like the author was wasted?

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Today was boring only if you didn't care about the US making it to the next round.

Yea....Germany camped in our box for 80 minutes barely kept my attention.

Yea....doesn't get more exciting than that.

My link.

 

[Christo]

Today was boring only if you didn't care about the US making it to the next round.

Yea....Germany camped in our box for 80 minutes barely kept my attention.

Yea....doesn't get more exciting than that.

My link.

So you've aligned yourself with one of the world's biggest jackasses.

Congrats, I guess.

 

[Christo]

SLBD, you should post Ann Coulter's article next

 

[AAABatteries]

Re: Suarez - Dude is an absolute train wreck. I know people don't care about him personally, but he needs to get help. It is not normal for a grown man to go around biting people. I am guessing he has the mentality of an immature adolescent, but all the football ability in the world can not be used to overlook the social problems he obviously has.

I could almost understand a biting situation if the players were tangled up on the ground, and he bit someone whose arm was in his face, out of frustration - but Suarez looks like he is auditioning for the next Sharknado movie the way he goes after his victims. If Liverpool, or Uruguay really wanted to help here - they would get him help, and stop making excuses.

I'm with you on all of that..........except right at the very end.

A) Liverpool WAS getting him help. I guess you missed the season last year, where he was doing much better, and seemed to have turned a corner.

B) Once again, holding Liverpool responsible for something done with the Uruguayan national team is downright idiotic. Please, in great detail, tell me what Liverpool should have done, at the World Cup, to prevent this.

C) He deserves to be punished. Liverpool do not.

Stop.You sound as irrational as Suarez. FIFA is not punishing Liverpool - Suarez is punishing Liverpool by his actions.

Liverpool made their bed with Suarez, handing him contract extensions, knowing about his issues. They can sell him if they want.

But, stop this whining about poor Liverpool.

No, I really don't. Something done with the national team should not impact the domestic season. Liverpool is being punished whether you look past your blind hatred, or not.

ETA - Still waiting on that list of things Liverpool could have done at the World Cup to prevent this.

You're a good guy Smoovy but this is ridiculous. I'm definitely biased when it comes to Liverpool but come on HE ####### BIT SOMEONE FOR THE 3RD TIME! He's lucky it wasn't a full year.

 

[Christo]

Liverpool has no one to blame but themselves. Should have sold him a long time ago. They didn't. So they live with the consequences.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

 

[The Gator]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

From Hannibal Lecter.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

The obvious problem in even numbered years is that the touring team's roster will be more depleted than usual. The All-star game falls 3 1/2 weeks after the WC final. I doubt anybody who advances as far as the semifinals will even show for the US tour.

Julian Green is a likely starter in this one.

 

[Eephus]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

From Hannibal Lecter.

Insert joke about English cuisine

 

[El Floppo]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

You are getting sleepy, sleepy. Listwn to my voice... you are a good person... you are not a diving embellishing biting horse tooth sack of ####... you are a good person...

 

[Ned]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

From Hannibal Lecter.

farva beans!

 

[El Floppo]

maybe Liverpool should have, you know, told him to stop biting guys.

He was getting weekly psychiatric treatment while in Liverpool.

From Hannibal Lecter.

Yeah. Dammit... that was the right reply

 

[Eephus]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

The obvious problem in even numbered years is that the touring team's roster will be more depleted than usual. The All-star game falls 3 1/2 weeks after the WC final. I doubt anybody who advances as far as the semifinals will even show for the US tour.

Julian Green is a likely starter in this one.

Color me intrigued

 

[Norman Paperman]

Weird bets at skybet:

US to make the finals: 33/1

US v. Brazil finals: 28/1

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Today was boring only if you didn't care about the US making it to the next round.

Yea....Germany camped in our box for 80 minutes barely kept my attention.

Yea....doesn't get more exciting than that.

My link.

So you've aligned yourself with one of the world's biggest jackasses.

Congrats, I guess.

Nah, can't stand him, never could. It's funny nonetheless. Sorry it upsets you.

 

[Christo]

Today was boring only if you didn't care about the US making it to the next round.

Yea....Germany camped in our box for 80 minutes barely kept my attention.

Yea....doesn't get more exciting than that.

My link.

So you've aligned yourself with one of the world's biggest jackasses.

Congrats, I guess.

Nah, can't stand him, never could. It's funny nonetheless. Sorry it upsets you.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Usually the MLS All Star Game is vs a European club.

yup and this year is is Bayern Munich.

that i didnt know (or missed)... nice pull for the MLS ASG

The obvious problem in even numbered years is that the touring team's roster will be more depleted than usual. The All-star game falls 3 1/2 weeks after the WC final. I doubt anybody who advances as far as the semifinals will even show for the US tour.

Julian Green is a likely starter in this one.

Color me intrigued

He'll be well rested, and it seems theses clubs usually try to play local boys if possible. I saw Fergie give 90 minutes to Jonathan Spector against Bayern at Soldier Field about 10 years ago.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Kompany is questionable for the U.S.-Belgium game.

I certainly have no ill will towards him, really good player and seems like a classy guy. But that would sure help us out if he didn't play.