***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)

[jonessed]

Time for the ref in the Liverpool/City game to hang em up...guy is brutally bad

Just awful.he's lucky the result fit the match or he would probably be getting a lot more heat from the media.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Burkina Faso an Togo on the verge of extra time.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Burkina Faso an Togo on the verge of extra time.

Gorgeous near post header for the winner by Burkina Faso.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Kyle Beckerman returned to training with RSL today. That may strongly indicate he will not be on the roster for Honduras this week. The roster will be released tomorrow at 9:00am eastern according to Goff.

 

[The Z Machine]

I could do without KB on the roster. That's a good sign they have the depth in the midfield.

 

[El Floppo]

FWIW... Not much news here. JK more interested in the 3 weeks of camp than the game, it appears. Or maybe that's just because nobody stepped up in the game.

Post-Game Quote Sheet: U.S. MNT vs. CanadaJan. 30, 2013U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach JURGEN KLINSMANN"First of all, I want to thank the fans for coming out tonight and supporting us very, very nicely. It's an absolutely beautiful facility. It's a beautiful place, and we would have loved to give them a couple goals, which didn't happen unfortunately. You could see that three and a half weeks of a lot of work wore on their legs, and they were missing the last little piece to it in creating final chances, playing the killer ball into the box, and finishing things off. Unfortunately, we couldn't do that tonight against a very defensive-minded Canada, but overall we were very pleased with the way the players presented themselves. They tried to do it in a couple of different formations and we tried all kinds of combinations, and it was good to see the players trying ways to score that one goal that didn't come.""Overall we are really pleased with what we saw the last three weeks from these guys, and we want to give them a big compliment on how they worked and how much work they put into it. Now obviously, we're looking forward to next week, when a World Cup Qualifier is on the plate."On whether he was disappointed that a few players didn’t take more advantage of the opportunity:"I'm not disappointed because you just hope that after those three weeks of hard work that they get that moment to shine, and you wish it for them. I think we saw over the past three weeks that we have a pretty good picture of where they are at. You wish that they can finish it off in a friendly game, but it's always difficult to start the season with your first game and have only training scrimmages before. With Canada staying back and being very defensive-minded, you just hope that sooner or later it opens up, but that was not the case."On if tonight’s performance impacted the roster selections for the qualifier:"We have a pretty clear picture of who we want to take to Honduras, but you have to be patient with us for a couple more days. We also need to see where our Europeans are at, where our guys in Mexico are at. Some have an injury problem, some have rhythm problems from not playing that much. We're going to evaluate that over the next two or three days, and then get that entire group together in Miami, but that was not depending on tonight."U.S. Men’s National Team Midfielder BRAD DAVISOn playing in front of his home fans in Houston:"It's a great feeling and a warm welcome. It was great to be able to walk out there and see how excited the fans were for us. It's just like playing a home game. You're representing your country and not the Dynamo, but still as a player you have to attack the game with the same mentality and go out there and give your best. For me, there was no pressure."On the result:"Obviously it was not the result we wanted. I think we were a little bit tentative when we got around the 18. I would like to try to create a few more things and get some shots on goal. I don't think we had a shot from outside the whole game. You know, those are things that are going to happen when you're around a group of guys that haven't been playing a whole lot together."On his future with the National Team:"That's up for the coaching staff to decide. I think it was a good training camp. I got some positive feedback. I know that I'm a piece of that puzzle, but where I fit I'm not quite sure yet. I think it's going to take a little bit more time to get integrated with everybody and get a few more opportunities to see where that goes, but another opportunity will be there down the road."U.S. Men’s National Team Defender OMAR GONZALEZ"I got a good 90 minutes in. Everyone put in a good effort. We didn't get the result we wanted, but we faced a good Canada team that was really defensive. Maybe that was because Denmark beat them 4-0 and they wanted to work on their defensive shape. It worked, and they put everyone behind the ball and it was really tough to get penetrating passes. We tried to get a ball out wide and get as many across as we could, but we just couldn't find the back of the net."On his return to the National Team for the first time since 2011:"It felt great to be out there. Wearing the crest on my shirt was amazing, and I want to be doing that a lot more often."On whether he and the defenders would have liked to see more action:"As a defender, you always want clean sheets, and that means you're doing a good job. Maybe I could do a little bit more to spark the attack and make those entry passes and get the ball out quicker. I thought overall that it was a pretty solid night. We just didn't get the result."On whether he will be called in for the World Cup qualifier against Honduras:"I'm hoping it happens. This is a start to something, and I want to be a part of this qualifying journey and be a major part in qualifying for the World Cup. I want to be there."U.S. Men’s National Team Defender MATT BESLEROn his performance:"I'm comfortable with it. I'm not going to look at the game too much, and put too much pressure on it. I just try to go out and win the game first and play my best. The rest will take care of itself. I think my distribution out of the back is one of my strong points. It was definitely a good game to show that."U.S. Men’s National Team Midfielder JOSHUA GATT"We definitely had a lot of energy and added a spark to it. I definitely tried my best to stretch Canada. They were really compact and very defensive. I thought that in a friendly, they'd try and go a little more forward and attack a little bit more. It was tough for us to try and break them down when they sit 11 guys in front of the net. As a whole, we did a decent job combining to get into the attack. We had a lot of chances that we really should have finished, and we should've put this game away."On whether it was frustrating playing against a defensive –minded team:"I guess the frustration is not only with them, but with us. As a team, we did a good job keeping of the ball, but when our attacking players were going through, we didn't get a lot of the quality balls in behind. We really needed to put the dagger in them, and that was our problem tonight. We did a good job in the two-thirds that were the midfield and defensive, but in the final third we lacked the killer ball, the killer shot and the killer pass. That was our problem tonight."

 

[NewlyRetired]

I could do without KB on the roster. That's a good sign they have the depth in the midfield.

Hopefully Edu has shown enough in Turkey to get back in the mix in the midfield.

 

[The Z Machine]

Btw, my boys are only 9 points back from Barça, same as City and United. Both leagues are getting boring now. Coupled with Bundesliga getting dominated by Bayern, means that there's very little interesting domestic league football at the top of table in the big leagues.Go Napoli? Go Bordeaux?

 

[The Z Machine]

I could do without KB on the roster. That's a good sign they have the depth in the midfield.

Hopefully Edu has shown enough in Turkey to get back in the mix in the midfield.

I'd take Edu over KB any day of the week. No upside with the dreds.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Btw, my boys are only 9 points back from Barça, same as City and United. Both leagues are getting boring now. Coupled with Bundesliga getting dominated by Bayern, means that there's very little interesting domestic league football at the top of table in the big leagues.Go Napoli? Go Bordeaux?

GB the Champions League.

 

[NewlyRetired]

At a press conference in The Hague, in the Netherlands, the European Police announced that after investigating more than 700 football matches across Europe, they found 380 of them to have been fixed, including Champions League, World Cup qualifiers, and European Cup qualifying matches.Europol, which had been leading the investigation for the last 18 months, has already made 50 arrests, and they have a list of 425 suspects, which include match officials, club representatives, players, and other criminals involved in the game.The organization believes that a crime syndicate in Asia had organized the operation, and that the alleged criminals were making upwards of €8 million profit on each match that was rigged. Europol also announced that the match-fixing had been taking place in over 15 European countries.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the US rosterU.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (World Cup qualifying Caps/Goals) – Detailed RosterGOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton – 22/9 SO), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire – 0/0)DEFENDERS (9) : Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City – 0/0), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander – 31/5), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City – 5/0), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana – 0/0), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg – 0/0), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders – 0/0), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy – 0/0), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim – 3/0), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg – 3/0)MIDFIELDERS (8) : Michael Bradley (Roma – 19/5), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo - 0/0), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor – 9/0), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04 – 5/0), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht – 12/0), Jose Torres (Tigres – 9/0), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim – 4/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City – 3/0)FORWARDS (4 ): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar – 17/6), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur – 26/10), Herculez Gomez (Santos – 6/2), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders – 11/10)

 

[NewlyRetired]

Here is the US rosterU.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (World Cup qualifying Caps/Goals) – Detailed RosterGOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton – 22/9 SO), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire – 0/0)DEFENDERS (9) : Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City – 0/0), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander – 31/5), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City – 5/0), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana – 0/0), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg – 0/0), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders – 0/0), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy – 0/0), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim – 3/0), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg – 3/0)MIDFIELDERS (8) : Michael Bradley (Roma – 19/5), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo - 0/0), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor – 9/0), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04 – 5/0), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht – 12/0), Jose Torres (Tigres – 9/0), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim – 4/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City – 3/0)FORWARDS (4 ): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar – 17/6), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur – 26/10), Herculez Gomez (Santos – 6/2), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders – 11/10)

Comments :GK: With Rimando dealing with a shoulder problem, no surprises. Johnson or Hamid should grow into the 3rd keeper role anyway this seasonDef: Goodson was not called. A whole lot of goose eggs in this group for WCQing experience. Evans is a surprise to me over LichajMid: Davis is the big surprise here. Good to see Edu back as we predicted once we knew Beckerman was not going to be calledFwd: No surprises. By far the most experience positional grouping.Since this is a roster of 24, one player will not make the trip.

 

[NewlyRetired]

"Five players are carrying yellow cards: Michael Bradley, Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Fabian Johnson, and Zusi. Their next caution will result in a one-match suspension."===================This is a bit disconcerting given how front loaded the schedule is. Bradley, Dempsey and Fab are arguably the three best players the US has. Missing two or more of these three for the CR home game would suck.

 

[gianmarco]

At a press conference in The Hague, in the Netherlands, the European Police announced that after investigating more than 700 football matches across Europe, they found 380 of them to have been fixed, including Champions League, World Cup qualifiers, and European Cup qualifying matches.Europol, which had been leading the investigation for the last 18 months, has already made 50 arrests, and they have a list of 425 suspects, which include match officials, club representatives, players, and other criminals involved in the game.The organization believes that a crime syndicate in Asia had organized the operation, and that the alleged criminals were making upwards of €8 million profit on each match that was rigged. Europol also announced that the match-fixing had been taking place in over 15 European countries.

Holy cow. This is huge.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

The chatter in England this year is that United really aren't very good. They are 10 points ahead of the rest, so if they aren't very good, the rest of the EPL must be terrible.Of course, the chatter is nonsense. They ARE very good. The acid test is coming - Real Madrid home and away. Can't wait.

I think some of the criticisms of Man U are overblown (I think Carrick and Cleverly are more than adequate in CM and I think De Gea is still a very good keeper even with his acknowledged weaknesses). The justified criticism of Man U, IMO, is that the CBs have mistakes in them, at least so long as Vidic can't get fully fit. Rio can go stretches where he looks like the guy of old, but eventually that yard of pace that he's lost shows up. Johnny Evans is a guy who can look like a world class CB for games on end and then make a string of astonishing mistakes that make you wonder whether he secretly plays for Arsenal. That weakness, however, is somewhat set off by the fact that the FBs are having sensational years. Evra looked like dog crap last year but is playing amazing this year (how the hell is he winning so many headers in the box?) and Rafael is probably the most improved player in the side, IMO.One other justified criticism, IMO, is that the wingers, particularly Tony V., have not played well this year. Part of that is down to RVP and Rooney roaming and swapping positions to get to the wings themselves, which has been very, very effective. United has, by far, the best attacking movement in the BPL.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Honduras has now lost its second player from its released roster as Andy Najar is out with an injury.

 

[gianmarco]

Looks like Sturridge is going to miss the friendly this Wednesday with a thigh injury. That's a bummer as he's been on fire lately and would have liked to see how he did.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

Here is the US rosterU.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (World Cup qualifying Caps/Goals) – Detailed RosterGOALKEEPERS (3) : Brad Guzan (Aston Villa - 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton – 22/9 SO), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire – 0/0)DEFENDERS (9) : Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City – 0/0), Carlos Bocanegra (Racing Santander – 31/5), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City – 5/0), Edgar Castillo (Club Tijuana – 0/0), Timmy Chandler (Nuremberg – 0/0), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders – 0/0), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy – 0/0), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim – 3/0), Michael Parkhurst (Augsburg – 3/0)MIDFIELDERS (8) : Michael Bradley (Roma – 19/5), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo - 0/0), Maurice Edu (Bursaspor – 9/0), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04 – 5/0), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht – 12/0), Jose Torres (Tigres – 9/0), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim – 4/0), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City – 3/0)FORWARDS (4 ): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar – 17/6), Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur – 26/10), Herculez Gomez (Santos – 6/2), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders – 11/10)

Comments :GK: With Rimando dealing with a shoulder problem, no surprises. Johnson or Hamid should grow into the 3rd keeper role anyway this seasonDef: Goodson was not called. A whole lot of goose eggs in this group for WCQing experience. Evans is a surprise to me over LichajMid: Davis is the big surprise here. Good to see Edu back as we predicted once we knew Beckerman was not going to be calledFwd: No surprises. By far the most experience positional grouping.Since this is a roster of 24, one player will not make the trip.

Even the surprises make a certain amount of sense to me, as many of these guys strike me as good like for like replacements. Evans definitely provides more service than Lichaj, and we know JK just doesn't seem to rate him. Considering that Feilhaber played pretty well against Canada, maybe Torres or Davis is a bit of a surprise, but I'm also a guy who's always thought Davis should get his chance. As he's most likely to be slotted in to play like Zusi, it makes sense to have him integrated. It's an interesting mix in that if JK plays the 4-2-3-1, he can have it be more technical in the wide AM positions (Zusi, Davis, Torres), or more dynamic and athletic (Eddie, Herc). Or JK could even play Fabian more advanced as he has plenty of left side coverage with Castillo, Parkhurst, and even Evans.I have this weird feeling that Jozy explodes this cycle. Stewart, Verbeek, and guys like Sciaretta keep hinting that he's on some pretty big teams' radar. He could make himself some fat stacks.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So what's the starting XI look like?

 

[guru_007]

The chatter in England this year is that United really aren't very good. They are 10 points ahead of the rest, so if they aren't very good, the rest of the EPL must be terrible.Of course, the chatter is nonsense. They ARE very good. The acid test is coming - Real Madrid home and away. Can't wait.

I think some of the criticisms of Man U are overblown (I think Carrick and Cleverly are more than adequate in CM and I think De Gea is still a very good keeper even with his acknowledged weaknesses). The justified criticism of Man U, IMO, is that the CBs have mistakes in them, at least so long as Vidic can't get fully fit. Rio can go stretches where he looks like the guy of old, but eventually that yard of pace that he's lost shows up. Johnny Evans is a guy who can look like a world class CB for games on end and then make a string of astonishing mistakes that make you wonder whether he secretly plays for Arsenal. That weakness, however, is somewhat set off by the fact that the FBs are having sensational years. Evra looked like dog crap last year but is playing amazing this year (how the hell is he winning so many headers in the box?) and Rafael is probably the most improved player in the side, IMO.One other justified criticism, IMO, is that the wingers, particularly Tony V., have not played well this year. Part of that is down to RVP and Rooney roaming and swapping positions to get to the wings themselves, which has been very, very effective. United has, by far, the best attacking movement in the BPL.

well putAs far as the CM position goes, I think the criticism was that they didn't have any one they could put out there to be an attacking CM. Scholes turned their season around when he came back last year, but is a holding CM. Carrick is in that vein, and Cleverly is still learning, but he does get more forward. You didn't mention Anderson and in my eyes, he is really improving too. Obviously they still don't have a dominant guy, but as they drop Rooney back a bit, in a more displaced striker role, he can fill that bill.SAF has shown huge confidence in Evans, Carrick and De Gea this year. I really cannot imagine a situation in which they let De Gea leave. He's all of 22 years old, and Lindeegard (who's 28) has appeared in 8 matches this year and really not a significant match since the home lost to Spurs. De Gea is still making mistakes, and needs to improve his presence in the box but he's been pretty darn good of late, and seems to have a lot of confidence.Valencia and/or Nani have to figure they are on borrowed time, and their mediocre play really prompted the Zaha signing. United have a ton of money tied up in their wing position, you have to figure some moves are going to be made in the offseason.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So what's the starting XI look like?

If Klinsmann sticks with a 4-3-3 type setup....................HowardChandler......Cam....Boca......Fab......................WilliamsOrEdu...........Bradley. .....................JonesGomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I really cannot imagine a situation in which they let De Gea leave. He's all of 22 years old, and Lindeegard (who's 28) has appeared in 8 matches this year and really not a significant match since the home lost to Spurs. De Gea is still making mistakes, and needs to improve his presence in the box but he's been pretty darn good of late, and seems to have a lot of confidence.Valencia and/or Nani have to figure they are on borrowed time, and their mediocre play really prompted the Zaha signing. United have a ton of money tied up in their wing position, you have to figure some moves are going to be made in the offseason.

I just think that the criticism of De Gea has gotten kind of lazy. Yeah, he's not the best on crosses. But that just means that any goal from a cross or corner, the color guy can say, "he has to be stronger there." Even when it's a great cross right on the edge of the six where the keeper is screwed if he comes and screwed if he stays. Sometimes a guy hits a cross in the perfect spot, just like a shot in the perfect spot. The stuff about parrying a save out front to an attacker is even lazier. Yes, parrying straight out on a weak shot is big mistake. But I've seen De Gea criticized for giving up rebounds on 70 MPH screamers that in the absolute hardest position to parry sideways (low and not completely in the corner). Those are hard, hard saves to make in the first instance.

 

[The Gator]

I really cannot imagine a situation in which they let De Gea leave. He's all of 22 years old, and Lindeegard (who's 28) has appeared in 8 matches this year and really not a significant match since the home lost to Spurs. De Gea is still making mistakes, and needs to improve his presence in the box but he's been pretty darn good of late, and seems to have a lot of confidence.Valencia and/or Nani have to figure they are on borrowed time, and their mediocre play really prompted the Zaha signing. United have a ton of money tied up in their wing position, you have to figure some moves are going to be made in the offseason.

I just think that the criticism of De Gea has gotten kind of lazy. Yeah, he's not the best on crosses. But that just means that any goal from a cross or corner, the color guy can say, "he has to be stronger there." Even when it's a great cross right on the edge of the six where the keeper is screwed if he comes and screwed if he stays. Sometimes a guy hits a cross in the perfect spot, just like a shot in the perfect spot. The stuff about parrying a save out front to an attacker is even lazier. Yes, parrying straight out on a weak shot is big mistake. But I've seen De Gea criticized for giving up rebounds on 70 MPH screamers that in the absolute hardest position to parry sideways (low and not completely in the corner). Those are hard, hard saves to make in the first instance.

Agree with a lot of this. He gets a palm on a few balls that go for rebounds that others(looking at you Reina) would be digging out of the on the firs try.

 

[The Gator]

***OFFICIAL*** STURRIDGE GOALS TRACKER

Countdown to Eight Premier League Goals and Free Beer From Sebowski

Goal #1 v. United

BONUS

Goal #2 v. Norwich

Bonus dance gif

Goal #3 v. Citeh

 

[jonessed]

At a press conference in The Hague, in the Netherlands, the European Police announced that after investigating more than 700 football matches across Europe, they found 380 of them to have been fixed, including Champions League, World Cup qualifiers, and European Cup qualifying matches.Europol, which had been leading the investigation for the last 18 months, has already made 50 arrests, and they have a list of 425 suspects, which include match officials, club representatives, players, and other criminals involved in the game.The organization believes that a crime syndicate in Asia had organized the operation, and that the alleged criminals were making upwards of €8 million profit on each match that was rigged. Europol also announced that the match-fixing had been taking place in over 15 European countries.

I don't find this at all surprising in qualifying matches. A lot of the smaller league teams are simply waiting to get knocked out. They can make a small fortune in fixing a game.Group stages is another matter though. That would surprise me.

 

[jonessed]

I really cannot imagine a situation in which they let De Gea leave. He's all of 22 years old, and Lindeegard (who's 28) has appeared in 8 matches this year and really not a significant match since the home lost to Spurs. De Gea is still making mistakes, and needs to improve his presence in the box but he's been pretty darn good of late, and seems to have a lot of confidence.Valencia and/or Nani have to figure they are on borrowed time, and their mediocre play really prompted the Zaha signing. United have a ton of money tied up in their wing position, you have to figure some moves are going to be made in the offseason.

I just think that the criticism of De Gea has gotten kind of lazy. Yeah, he's not the best on crosses. But that just means that any goal from a cross or corner, the color guy can say, "he has to be stronger there." Even when it's a great cross right on the edge of the six where the keeper is screwed if he comes and screwed if he stays. Sometimes a guy hits a cross in the perfect spot, just like a shot in the perfect spot. The stuff about parrying a save out front to an attacker is even lazier. Yes, parrying straight out on a weak shot is big mistake. But I've seen De Gea criticized for giving up rebounds on 70 MPH screamers that in the absolute hardest position to parry sideways (low and not completely in the corner). Those are hard, hard saves to make in the first instance.

Agree with a lot of this. He gets a palm on a few balls that go for rebounds that others(looking at you Reina) would be digging out of the on the firs try.

It's not just crosses. His decision-making is questionable as well and apparently he is not at all happy in England.I thought United would give him another year, but it's being reported that he will be shopped in the summer.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

 

[The Gator]

OOOOF QPR...Remy out for two Months

 

[Slapdash]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

GomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

Ugh. I'd love to be won over, but I hate that we're starting at least one and maybe two of Zusi, Gomez or Johnson in the Hex.

 

[The Gator]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

If they want a keeper that calls off a defender only to rush out and do nothing, Reina will fit right in.

 

[NewlyRetired]

GomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

Ugh. I'd love to be won over, but I hate that we're starting at least one and maybe two of Zusi, Gomez or Johnson in the Hex.

Who do you prefer in those positions?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

I thought he was great against Valencia. I think one of the most notable post-Pep changes is that they don't get as cute in their own end anymore, and sometimes they'll just punt the ball when things are getting a little hairy.

 

[Steve Tasker]

So what's the starting XI look like?

If Klinsmann sticks with a 4-3-3 type setup....................HowardChandler......Cam....Boca......Fab......................WilliamsOrEdu...........Bradley. .....................JonesGomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

I like Gomez and I know he's been playing well in the past year or so, but I'll be pretty disappointed if Jozy is on the bench in this one with Gomez in a lone striker spot. He hasn't really shown me a ton in the lone striker spot with the Nats...I'd much rather seem him in a more standard 2-man partnership up front or in more of a winger role. I wouldn't mind a Gomez/Dempsey/Altidore triangle...I think that would be my preferred trio up front.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Looks like Sturridge is going to miss the friendly this Wednesday with a thigh injury. That's a bummer as he's been on fire lately and would have liked to see how he did.

Definite shame. And it came from being clattered because he dared to score a goal while a City player (who was fouled) stayed down on the pitch looking for a call. Blame the ref. Don't blame Sturridge. Cowardly retribution tackle.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

If they want a keeper that calls off a defender only to rush out and do nothing, Reina will fit right in.

I know Reina is going to be out (and that's a good thing), but do you think Liverpool makes a move, or goes with Brad Jones? Personally, I don't think this revolution is going to come off with Brad Jones between the sticks. I like the guy immensely, but he just doesn't have it to lead the club back to glory, IMO.

 

[The Gator]

I know Reina is going to be out (and that's a good thing), but do you think Liverpool makes a move, or goes with Brad Jones? Personally, I don't think this revolution is going to come off with Brad Jones between the sticks. I like the guy immensely, but he just doesn't have it to lead the club back to glory, IMO.

I like Jones as a backup only. He had a #### storm of a game against Oldham, but he's been decent filling in. REALLY wanted Butland, especially for that price(4M). Bring on Begovic then

 

[jonessed]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

If they want a keeper that calls off a defender only to rush out and do nothing, Reina will fit right in.

I know Reina is going to be out (and that's a good thing), but do you think Liverpool makes a move, or goes with Brad Jones? Personally, I don't think this revolution is going to come off with Brad Jones between the sticks. I like the guy immensely, but he just doesn't have it to lead the club back to glory, IMO.

If Liverpool dumps Reina for Brad Jones they deserve all of the thumpings they get.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

REALLY wanted Butland, especially for that price(4M).

Me too. But I respect the guy for turning down Chel$ki to go to Stoke.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

GomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

Ugh. I'd love to be won over, but I hate that we're starting at least one and maybe two of Zusi, Gomez or Johnson in the Hex.

Who do you prefer in those positions?

Oh, I'm not saying we have better choices.

 

[Ursa M]

The chatter in England this year is that United really aren't very good. They are 10 points ahead of the rest, so if they aren't very good, the rest of the EPL must be terrible.Of course, the chatter is nonsense. They ARE very good. The acid test is coming - Real Madrid home and away. Can't wait.

I think some of the criticisms of Man U are overblown (I think Carrick and Cleverly are more than adequate in CM and I think De Gea is still a very good keeper even with his acknowledged weaknesses). The justified criticism of Man U, IMO, is that the CBs have mistakes in them, at least so long as Vidic can't get fully fit. Rio can go stretches where he looks like the guy of old, but eventually that yard of pace that he's lost shows up. Johnny Evans is a guy who can look like a world class CB for games on end and then make a string of astonishing mistakes that make you wonder whether he secretly plays for Arsenal. That weakness, however, is somewhat set off by the fact that the FBs are having sensational years. Evra looked like dog crap last year but is playing amazing this year (how the hell is he winning so many headers in the box?) and Rafael is probably the most improved player in the side, IMO.One other justified criticism, IMO, is that the wingers, particularly Tony V., have not played well this year. Part of that is down to RVP and Rooney roaming and swapping positions to get to the wings themselves, which has been very, very effective. United has, by far, the best attacking movement in the BPL.

well putAs far as the CM position goes, I think the criticism was that they didn't have any one they could put out there to be an attacking CM. Scholes turned their season around when he came back last year, but is a holding CM. Carrick is in that vein, and Cleverly is still learning, but he does get more forward. You didn't mention Anderson and in my eyes, he is really improving too. Obviously they still don't have a dominant guy, but as they drop Rooney back a bit, in a more displaced striker role, he can fill that bill.SAF has shown huge confidence in Evans, Carrick and De Gea this year. I really cannot imagine a situation in which they let De Gea leave. He's all of 22 years old, and Lindeegard (who's 28) has appeared in 8 matches this year and really not a significant match since the home lost to Spurs. De Gea is still making mistakes, and needs to improve his presence in the box but he's been pretty darn good of late, and seems to have a lot of confidence.Valencia and/or Nani have to figure they are on borrowed time, and their mediocre play really prompted the Zaha signing. United have a ton of money tied up in their wing position, you have to figure some moves are going to be made in the offseason.

and the one you responded to too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

GomezOrZusiOrDempsey.........................DempseyOrEJ...........................JozyorGomez

Ugh. I'd love to be won over, but I hate that we're starting at least one and maybe two of Zusi, Gomez or Johnson in the Hex.

Who do you prefer in those positions?

Oh, I'm not saying we have better choices.

Tis our bane I guess. Not much depth really anywhere. I guess we need to be thankful for Fab choosing US and Cam coming up to speed so quickly once given the chance.

 

[Sebowski]

Looks like Sturridge is going to miss the friendly this Wednesday with a thigh injury. That's a bummer as he's been on fire lately and would have liked to see how he did.

Big fan.

 

[The Gator]

Looks like Sturridge is going to miss the friendly this Wednesday with a thigh injury. That's a bummer as he's been on fire lately and would have liked to see how he did.

Big fan.

Whatever helps keep him fresh for league play/goals.

 

[Sebowski]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

I thought he was great against Valencia. I think one of the most notable post-Pep changes is that they don't get as cute in their own end anymore, and sometimes they'll just punt the ball when things are getting a little hairy.

That rebound save was amazing. I wonder why he wants to leave. Not looking forward to getting used to a new goalie.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

USA +120, Honduras +200, Draw +225.Over 2.5 is +100, Under is -125.

 

[Slapdash]

A Valdes-DeGea swap would make a lot of sense. I'd prefer DeGea to Reina if Barca can't get Courtois.

If they don't like DeGea's decision making, they're going to kill Valdes...

I thought he was great against Valencia. I think one of the most notable post-Pep changes is that they don't get as cute in their own end anymore, and sometimes they'll just punt the ball when things are getting a little hairy.

I have never been a big Valdes hater, but he sure makes some frustrating gaffes back there from time to time.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Articles like this are not making me feel any less nervous I feel like I am being put in the uncomfortable position of hoping Mexico gets max points from every game.

Hex could be toughest ever for USMNT

February 4, 2013

John Bolster

Buckle up, US fans, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

The 2013 CONCACAF Hexagonal kicks off on Wednesday when the US national team visits Honduras (4 pm ET, beIN SPORT), and while the final round of World Cup qualifying has almost always been a tough slog for the US (except in 2005, when the team clinched with three games to play), this year’s version could be 40 miles of rough road.

In addition to the usual obstacles associated with the Hex (hostile away venues, late-night disturbances outside hotel rooms, airborne bags of unidentified liquids), a combination of increased talent in the region, a dominant Mexican side and a tricky opening schedule could make this the toughest Hexagonal group the US have ever faced.

Let’s take a look.

Weak-Sister Shortage

In previous years, there was always at least one relatively soft touch in the Hexagonal — whether it was the 2001 Trinidad and Tobago team that lost seven games, or the 2005 Panama side that dropped eight, with a minus-17 goal difference.

But this year, the two candidates for the role, Jamaica and Panama, seem unlikely to follow the script.

Yes, Jamaica are fresh from a dismal three-and-out performance in the Caribbean Cup in December, but the Jamaican Football Federation took urgent action late last year to strengthen their side for the Hexagonal: They scoured England for players with Jamaican roots.

Hexagonal: Johnson, Ricketts hoping for "new" Jamaica

The search landed eight players, and four of them — two from the Premier League, two from the Championship — were named to the Reggae Boyz roster for Wednesday’s tilt in Mexico City (6:30 pm ET, ESPN2, UniMás).

That newly minted quartet will join Portland’s Ryan Johnson (right, battling with Clint Dempsey in Kingston) and Donovan Ricketts, Houston’s Jermaine Taylor and former MLSer (and current Burnley attacker) Dane Richards on the Jamaica roster.

They’ll need time to incorporate the new blood, but the last time the JFF took a recruiting trip to England, the Reggae Boyz qualified for the 1998 World Cup finals in France.

Panama, a baseball-loving nation of 3.6 million, might look like an easy mark from afar, but Los Caneleros are without question the most improved team in the region over the past few years.

Led by coach Julio Dely Valdés, a veteran of Serie A and Ligue 1, and his assistant and twin brother, former Colorado Rapids star Jorge Dely Valdes, Panama knocked off the US in the opening round of the 2011 Gold Cup and reached the semifinals of that event.

They have players at top-flight clubs in South America and Mexico, along with three guys familiar to MLS fans — FC Dallas striker Blas Pérez, former Philadelphia Union midfielder Gabriel Gómez and ex-FCD defender Carlos Rodríguez.

They’re athletic and experienced, and they won’t be a pushover for anyone.

Mighty Mexico

For the first time in the past four World Cup cycles, Mexico are the clear favorites in the Hex. El Tri are coming off the biggest win in their history, a 2-1 triumph over Brazil in the gold-medal game of the 2012 London Summer Games, and nine players from that team have been called for Mexico’s Hex opener against Jamaica on Wednesday.

The regional heavyweights are stacked with the likes of Santos Laguna striker Oribe Peralta (who scored both goals in the Olympic final), Villareal midfielder Javier Aquino, and Manchester United marksman Javier (Chicharito) Hernández, among others, and they’ll be a genuine threat for three points in every game they play this round, home or away.



Contending Catrachos

Honduras have always been competitive in CONCACAF, but in recent years they’ve lifted their game considerably. They qualified for the 2010 World Cup, and at the 2012 Olympics, Los Catrachos beat Spain and reached the quarterfinals of the tournament, losing to eventual runners-up Brazil 3-2 in a hard-fought match.

The stars of that team — former Sporting Kansas City and current Wigan midfielder Roger Espinoza (right), Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa, New England Revolution striker Jerry Bengtson and Seattle midfielder Mario Martínez — will all be on the roster for Wednesday’s game against the US.

New Anderlecht signing and former D.C. star Andy Najar was also selected, though he picked up a knock in training recently and won’t be a part of the squad.

But the current Honduras squad is talented enough that the US, who have mostly looked like a work in progress under Klinsmann, can consider it a solid result if they escape San Pedro Sula with a tie.

Schedule

In each of the four Hexagonals since 1998, the US played two of their first four games on the road and two at home. This year, three of their first four are away.

If the Americans fail to get a point in Honduras, things could get very tricky. Next up would be an essentially must-win game against Costa Rica in Colorado on March 22.

The Ticos will be hungry to make up for their narrow miss at 2010 qualification, and with proven MLS goalscorers Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake) and Jairo Arrieta (Columbus) in their lineup, along with Fulham attacker Bryan Ruiz (right), they’re capable of hurting any team in the group.

Following that match, the US take on Mexico at Estadio Azteca, where the Yanks are 1-23-1 since 1937.

It wouldn’t be hard for a glass-half-empty sort of fan to imagine Klinsmann’s men emerging from their first three games with just one or even zero points. In any event, they’d then face a match-up with the rebooted Reggae Boyz in Game No. 4, in Jamaica — where the Americans lost 2-1 in the previous round.

History

But let’s not get all doom and gloom.

Sure, history has shown that the US will hit bumps in the road this round, but more importantly, history has also shown that the US have never failed to qualify from a Hexagonal.

If their team should drop a home game — as they did in 2001 against Honduras at RFK Stadium — or fail to beat an underdog opponent at home (see the 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the same venue in 1997), US supporters can be reasonably confident that the Yanks will make it up somehow — as they have every other year.

It could be through a surprise win in Honduras (see 2009, when the Yanks rode a Conor Casey brace to a 3-2 win), or a “golden point” in Mexico, as then-coach Steve Sampson dubbed the shorthanded US’ 0-0 draw at Azteca in November 1997.

Odds are they’ll get it done, but there are likely to be more twists and turns — and a lot more sweat — this year than in any previous Hexagonal.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

USA +120, Honduras +200, Draw +225.

Works out to be...USA win 41.5%HON win 30.4%DRAW 28.1%Surprised we're favored away.