***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Steve Tasker]

I'm still playing FIFA

Real Zaragoza is in a tight battle for the title in La Liga....coming down to the last 8 games, I think I have 3 points on Barca right now....it's the third season, I think. I started with Luton Town in League 2, took them to League 1 and left for recently promoted Zaragoza. Finished 8th last season, but brought in a few money transfers and are looking at a CL spot if I stay on next season

 

[MrPhoenix]

Z (or anyone),

As a novice about the world of futbol, would buying this game dramatically increase my knowledge about the world of soccer? The same company that makes this game made Eastside Hockey Manager and that game was HUGE in getting me more interested in hockey.

 

[Kendall]

Z (or anyone),As a novice about the world of futbol, would buying this game dramatically increase my knowledge about the world of soccer? The same company that makes this game made Eastside Hockey Manager and that game was HUGE in getting me more interested in hockey.

Without even having played the game I would say the answer to your question is a definite yes.

 

[andy_b]

Z (or anyone),As a novice about the world of futbol, would buying this game dramatically increase my knowledge about the world of soccer? The same company that makes this game made Eastside Hockey Manager and that game was HUGE in getting me more interested in hockey.

absolutely. Especially if the game uses the correct names (like the FIFA series does). It will broaden your scope tremendously.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Z (or anyone),As a novice about the world of futbol, would buying this game dramatically increase my knowledge about the world of soccer? The same company that makes this game made Eastside Hockey Manager and that game was HUGE in getting me more interested in hockey.

Without even having played the game I would say the answer to your question is a definite yes.

Yeah....I mean any time you play these games, it's going to increase your knowledge of the game...whether it's FIFA, Football Manager, whatever.It would probably give you a better appreciation of the tactics involved in playing too....no offense, not trying to insult your knowledge or anything, but if you've never really played in a real organized setting (you may or may not have, I have no idea your soccer "history"), there's a lot of stuff that goes . IMO, this is one of the big reasons that people in America don't like soccer....they don't REALLY understand what's going on.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Z (or anyone),As a novice about the world of futbol, would buying this game dramatically increase my knowledge about the world of soccer? The same company that makes this game made Eastside Hockey Manager and that game was HUGE in getting me more interested in hockey.

absolutely. Especially if the game uses the correct names (like the FIFA series does). It will broaden your scope tremendously.

Might pick this up now.

 

[andy_b]

The US lineup certainly does not pick itself these days.

Lets put in the core assuming no injuries.

Timmy

Churundolo Gooch Boca

Bradley

Donovan

That leaves a ton of positions open for someone to claim.

At forward, Dempsey and Jozy are the two most likely candidates to grab a starting spot.

At defense, I am hopeful that Jonathon Spector gets healthy and fixes the left back spot and solidifies the defense.

No isssues at keeper. Timmy is solid as is his backup in Guzan.

Midfield is the biggest jumbled mess right now. So many spots open to grab and trying to figure out where best to place Landon will affect so many other balls.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Kljestan

 

[The Z Machine]

I've definitely got some favorites on the USMNT... Sasha Kljestan being up at the top. Hell I even had a dream about that guy. Beasley has grown on me since his poor play in WC2006. Donovan is the US's best player, but he's not really likable and as I've said before hasn't been his best against stiff competition. Timmy's a rock, and if Gooch can stop making his 1-2 stupid plays a game, he's a very solid defender. 'Dolo is another fave, mostly because he makes few mistakes and I like his attitude.

I'm still not sold on Bradley being this integral to the team. He hasn't shown me enough yet. Adu has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's obviously not there yet. I actually like Maurice Edu quite a bit, and would prefer for the USMNT to groom him into the holding MF of the future. I think he's got the talent and attitude to do it.

I don't want Ching to ever see the field against top flight competition. He's fine against Guate, and El Salvador. I think he'll get eaten alive against any decent defense, simply because he can't create much on his own and a good D often limits the US to a counter attacking style. I'd prefer Dempsey over him, and Jozy since he's so explosive. I have a penchant for liking younger players though, so I do have a bias.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yes, WSM or FM will allow you to look at leagues and players that you wouldn't normally be exposed to. However, that's only part of the piece since there so many AI "regens" or new players that come into the game 2-5 years on. You could conceivably play only the 2008-9 season over and over again, but it's pretty awesome to build and create a franchise.

The game is pretty realistic in most facets. The creators strive for that. Furthermore, since I'm a pretty poor video gamer in terms of mastering the controls and such, this game is right up my alley.

I haven't done any of the online stuff, but I hear that Football Manager live is pretty fun. I have no idea how it works though.

 

[Desert_Power]

I've definitely got some favorites on the USMNT... Sasha Kljestan being up at the top. Hell I even had a dream about that guy. Beasley has grown on me since his poor play in WC2006. Donovan is the US's best player, but he's not really likable and as I've said before hasn't been his best against stiff competition. Timmy's a rock, and if Gooch can stop making his 1-2 stupid plays a game, he's a very solid defender. 'Dolo is another fave, mostly because he makes few mistakes and I like his attitude.I'm still not sold on Bradley being this integral to the team. He hasn't shown me enough yet. Adu has shown flashes of brilliance, but he's obviously not there yet. I actually like Maurice Edu quite a bit, and would prefer for the USMNT to groom him into the holding MF of the future. I think he's got the talent and attitude to do it.I don't want Ching to ever see the field against top flight competition. He's fine against Guate, and El Salvador. I think he'll get eaten alive against any decent defense, simply because he can't create much on his own and a good D often limits the US to a counter attacking style. I'd prefer Dempsey over him, and Jozy since he's so explosive. I have a penchant for liking younger players though, so I do have a bias.

I think Beasley and Edu are two of the more integral members of the midfield if the US is to do well in 2010.

 

[LHUCKS]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

 

[Tremendous Upside]

I've definitely got some favorites on the USMNT... Sasha Kljestan being up at the top. Hell I even had a dream about that guy.

 

[andy_b]

I'm still not sold on Bradley being this integral to the team.

I listed the core more based on what I think the coach will do than based on their play. Not that I don't like Michael as a player(I do), but his 100% automatic inclusion would not occur unless his dad was the coach IMO.

 

[Kendall]

I'm not going to hold my breath on Edu, right now he's kind of reminding me of Eddie Johnson at the beginning of his career. He has a ton of athleticism and seems like he has a great motor, but does he have a head for the game and the determination to become technically skilled? I feel like most people in the United States become enamored with athleticism and immeadiatlely believe that it translates into potentinal (this is for all sports) and don't really give the time or patience into actually developing technique and skill. So basically with Edu, he's young, but I'll be plesently surprised if he ever becomes a mainstay in the US starting XI.

 

[andy_b]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

Read the previous 25 or so posts. A few people have mentioned their concern about Adu not being on the roster.

 

[andy_b]

Kljestan

Knowing that Bradley wants two holding midfielders, and knowing he only plays a 4-4-2, list your 6 middies and strikers that has Kljestan in the lineup...

 

[Kendall]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

 

[andy_b]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

no one wants Freddy to break through more than I do, but even I will understand and appreciate the logic in Kendall's post.

 

[mmmWaffles]

All hail your right to have this uh - thread.

However, soccer is a lot like Women's RollerDerby (but not nearly as exciting). Every few years they try to convince us that this is the up and coming sport and - nobody watches it.

I mean for pete's sake, we had the league champs here in Houston. You know who celebrated it? The messicans. - Which is fine, but they ran around with sombrerors (I swear I'm not making this up) and Messican flags. What the heck? - Not exactly a great way to pick up Houstonian fans.

I was at the sports bar where the Dynamo celebrated their championship. The owner of the Dynamo wanted to make that bar their "official bar". Even the bar's owner - who never saw a chance to make money he didn't like - darn near threw him out of the bar because of the above paragraph.

You know why soccer is so big in Messico and not football? I figured it out by looking at the fans. I don' think a single one of them little fellers was over 4'11". No WONDER! Here in the states, once we develop an interest in women, we stop playing soccer.

Look, I played soccer as a kid. Then I grew up. Back then, they swore that Pele was going to bring soccer to the US. 20 years later, it was Beckham. Neither worked. - Figure it out. Learn from the past.

Enjoy your 'sport', but geez, it's NEVER going to be anything more than something to take your 9 year old girl's team to - unless you're from south of the border.

 

[andy_b]

Please do not feed the trolls in this thread. I beg you. Hopefully a mod will simply remove the garbage and be done with it.

Do we have a mod who is a regular in this thread?

 

[LHUCKS]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

 

[andy_b]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

with out trying to get in Bradley's head, would you have left Torres off the roster for Adu?

 

[Kendall]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

I with you and Andy_b on this. I really want Freddy to suceed, I think it would be huge for US soccer considering all the hype that has followed him around for the past eight years. But from my previous post I think Bradley's choice not to include him is pretty clear. This is the opening round of the hexagonal against the toughest competition in the group. The points from a win would be huge. Adu won't make the field in the middle because a) he's not a holding midfielder and b) Donavon isn't coming off. So that only leaves room for Freddy out wide and it seems as if Bradley doesn't have full confidence in Freddy's tactical approach, I would guess it has nothing to do with talent. I would be appalled if Freddy doesn't make the squad for most of the other qualifiers.

 

[LHUCKS]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

with out trying to get in Bradley's head, would you have left Torres off the roster for Adu?

Hmmm...probably Clark or Rogers. I don't mind Torres.

 

[LHUCKS]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

I with you and Andy_b on this. I really want Freddy to suceed, I think it would be huge for US soccer considering all the hype that has followed him around for the past eight years. But from my previous post I think Bradley's choice not to include him is pretty clear. This is the opening round of the hexagonal against the toughest competition in the group. The points from a win would be huge. Adu won't make the field in the middle because a) he's not a holding midfielder and b) Donavon isn't coming off. So that only leaves room for Freddy out wide and it seems as if Bradley doesn't have full confidence in Freddy's tactical approach, I would guess it has nothing to do with talent. I would be appalled if Freddy doesn't make the squad for most of the other qualifiers.

I understand the tactical explanation although I'm not fully buying it...that is easily cured. He's got the ball skills to be out wide. He's definitely not a holding midfielder but he has the skill to play wide.I think there's more to this story.

 

[andy_b]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

I with you and Andy_b on this. I really want Freddy to suceed, I think it would be huge for US soccer considering all the hype that has followed him around for the past eight years. But from my previous post I think Bradley's choice not to include him is pretty clear. This is the opening round of the hexagonal against the toughest competition in the group. The points from a win would be huge. Adu won't make the field in the middle because a) he's not a holding midfielder and b) Donavon isn't coming off. So that only leaves room for Freddy out wide and it seems as if Bradley doesn't have full confidence in Freddy's tactical approach, I would guess it has nothing to do with talent. I would be appalled if Freddy doesn't make the squad for most of the other qualifiers.

I understand the tactical explanation although I'm not fully buying it...that is easily cured. He's got the ball skills to be out wide. He's definitely not a holding midfielder but he has the skill to play wide.I think there's more to this story.

It might be this simple.No club coach has ever taken to Freddy. Perhaps Bradley does not care for him as well...

 

[LHUCKS]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

I with you and Andy_b on this. I really want Freddy to suceed, I think it would be huge for US soccer considering all the hype that has followed him around for the past eight years. But from my previous post I think Bradley's choice not to include him is pretty clear. This is the opening round of the hexagonal against the toughest competition in the group. The points from a win would be huge. Adu won't make the field in the middle because a) he's not a holding midfielder and b) Donavon isn't coming off. So that only leaves room for Freddy out wide and it seems as if Bradley doesn't have full confidence in Freddy's tactical approach, I would guess it has nothing to do with talent. I would be appalled if Freddy doesn't make the squad for most of the other qualifiers.

I understand the tactical explanation although I'm not fully buying it...that is easily cured. He's got the ball skills to be out wide. He's definitely not a holding midfielder but he has the skill to play wide.I think there's more to this story.

It might be this simple.No club coach has ever taken to Freddy. Perhaps Bradley does not care for him as well...

Perhaps...I think if he was playing MLS he'd outshine some of the guys making this roster. Maybe that's his next move if he's not going to get any PT overseas.

 

[andy_b]

Am I the only one that believes Adu should be on the roster?

I just don't see where he fits in right now. I guess a case could be made for playing him out wide, but he's at his best playing an attacking role out of the midfield, kind of a with-drawn striker, which is where Donavon fits best and will hopefully play. I read that Bradley was displeased with Adu tactically. When Adu was subbed in on the wings during earlier qualifiers he would break the shape and just go slashing across the middle of the field. He would make some great plays, but Bradley wanted someone on the field that would stretch the width of play, where Adu just dives into the middle. Given Bradley's rigidity with his system and the fact that Adu hasn't been getting any time at Monaco, I'm not terribly upset he didn't make the squad.

I can see him not being a starter, but he can be a great sparkplug in the middle as a sub....I'm just not seeing it. Particularly when he can have an impact down the road.

I with you and Andy_b on this. I really want Freddy to suceed, I think it would be huge for US soccer considering all the hype that has followed him around for the past eight years. But from my previous post I think Bradley's choice not to include him is pretty clear. This is the opening round of the hexagonal against the toughest competition in the group. The points from a win would be huge. Adu won't make the field in the middle because a) he's not a holding midfielder and b) Donavon isn't coming off. So that only leaves room for Freddy out wide and it seems as if Bradley doesn't have full confidence in Freddy's tactical approach, I would guess it has nothing to do with talent. I would be appalled if Freddy doesn't make the squad for most of the other qualifiers.

I understand the tactical explanation although I'm not fully buying it...that is easily cured. He's got the ball skills to be out wide. He's definitely not a holding midfielder but he has the skill to play wide.I think there's more to this story.

It might be this simple.No club coach has ever taken to Freddy. Perhaps Bradley does not care for him as well...

Perhaps...I think if he was playing MSL he'd outshine some of the guys making this roster. Maybe that's his next move if he's not going to get any PT overseas.

MLS will be his last chance should Europe not work out.Don't forget, that while he was young, he certainly did not make any friends from coaches or players he played with in MLS.The kid might have a mental block at the club level because from all indications he plays well at the international level and that's ###-backwards

 

[Christo]

Kljestan

Knowing that Bradley wants two holding midfielders, and knowing he only plays a 4-4-2, list your 6 middies and strikers that has Kljestan in the lineup...

Okay, square peg in round hole. These are my starters from the 20 in Columbus:Howard

Wynne Califf Onyewu Bornstein

Dempsey Bradly Kljestan Clark

Donovan Ching

 

[andy_b]

Kljestan

Knowing that Bradley wants two holding midfielders, and knowing he only plays a 4-4-2, list your 6 middies and strikers that has Kljestan in the lineup...

Okay, square peg in round hole. These are my starters from the 20 in Columbus:Howard

Wynne Califf Onyewu Bornstein

Dempsey Bradly Kljestan Clark

Donovan Ching

Ricardo Clark as a wide midfielder on the left side?????Wow, talk about a huge change for the lad. I can't see that level of experimentation against Mexico.

The rest look ok, but I tend to favor the Boca Gooch pairing in the middle

 

[The Z Machine]

Actually I DON'T think that Freddie has the skills to play out wide.

and furthermore Donovan has shown that he might have the skills, but has no desire to play out on the wing to create chances a la Cristiano (no I'm not putting them in the same category, just comparing their respective positions).

There are only a handful of true wingers on the USMNT. Beasley is the obvious one, and is a classic type winger (although his D has gotten better). Dempsey can play out on the wing effectively as well IMO. Eddie Lewis is too old. There's not much else.

That's why Torres is in the squad and Adu isn't. Well that and fitness.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm not gonna lie... Wynne and Bornstein playing on the edge of the defense against a Mexican team with good wingers scares the crap outta me. We are lucky that Guardado and vela aren't healthy as I think they'd eat those two gringos alive.

 

[Kendall]

Actually I DON'T think that Freddie has the skills to play out wide.

and furthermore Donovan has shown that he might have the skills, but has no desire to play out on the wing to create chances a la Cristiano (no I'm not putting them in the same category, just comparing their respective positions).

There are only a handful of true wingers on the USMNT. Beasley is the obvious one, and is a classic type winger (although his D has gotten better). Dempsey can play out on the wing effectively as well IMO. Eddie Lewis is too old. There's not much else.

That's why Torres is in the squad and Adu isn't. Well that and fitness.

Re: LhucksI agree with Z on this. It may or may not be classicly defined as a skill, but having the discipline to stay out wide when you are out on the field in that posistion is a skill. A skill that Adu is lacking in right now. To be honest, I don't know much about his crossing abilities, but like I said earlier, he would rather dribble at guys and run around the center of the field.

Maybe it all boils down to like what you and andy_b were saying and Adu just lacks discipline pure and simple. I could see that being the case as andy has pointed out that Adu has had problems fitting in at every club he has stopped at. Maybe not being including will do him some good.

 

[LHUCKS]

I'm not gonna lie... Wynne and Bornstein playing on the edge of the defense against a Mexican team with good wingers scares the crap outta me. We are lucky that Guardado and vela aren't healthy as I think they'd eat those two gringos alive.

 

[brewer]

I'm not gonna lie... Wynne and Bornstein playing on the edge of the defense against a Mexican team with good wingers scares the crap outta me. We are lucky that Guardado and vela aren't healthy as I think they'd eat those two gringos alive.

Uh, what's wrong with Vela? I didn't know he was injured.

 

[The Z Machine]

Vela wasn't included in the squad. Is there any reason that a Mexico team DOESN'T have Carlos Vela on the roster for the biggest WC qualifier game?

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Robinho's goal against Italy in yesterday's friendly made SportsCenter's Top 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuZxVUqoTcg

Pirlo's action is borderline hysterical. Seeing him hobble after Robinho like a dog trying to get his toy back is even more hysterical actually. I would be pissed if he played for my national team. Definitely

 

[Christo]

Kljestan

Knowing that Bradley wants two holding midfielders, and knowing he only plays a 4-4-2, list your 6 middies and strikers that has Kljestan in the lineup...

Okay, square peg in round hole. These are my starters from the 20 in Columbus:Howard

Wynne Califf Onyewu Bornstein

Dempsey Bradly Kljestan Clark

Donovan Ching

Ricardo Clark as a wide midfielder on the left side?????Wow, talk about a huge change for the lad. I can't see that level of experimentation against Mexico.

The rest look ok, but I tend to favor the Boca Gooch pairing in the middle

Like I said, square peg. I wanted to keep Klejstan in the middle. Given Clark's a defensive midfielder, he has orders to stay deep and let Klejstan and Donovan roam out left when the play takes them that way.I'm a big, big Califf fan.

 

[andy_b]

Here is the Mexican lineup tonight according to ESPNDeportes

Sánchez

Osorio -Márquez -Galindo -Salcido

Do Santos -Pardo -Leandro -Medina

Castillo

Ochoa

 

[Mjolnirs]

I'm looking forward to the game tonight. Today is my birthday and my plans are:

7pm - USA v Mexico

9pm - LOST

10pm - Germany v Norway friendly (being recorded this afternoon)

 

[andy_b]

Vela wasn't included in the squad. Is there any reason that a Mexico team DOESN'T have Carlos Vela on the roster for the biggest WC qualifier game?

From what I can tell, he is not hurt, he was just not included.It may stem from the fact that Mexico played horrendously in the last round of qualifying and Sven may have lost some confidence in Vela.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Robinho's goal against Italy in yesterday's friendly made SportsCenter's Top 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuZxVUqoTcg

Pirlo's action is borderline hysterical. Seeing him hobble after Robinho like a dog trying to get his toy back is even more hysterical actually. I would be pissed if he played for my national team. Definitely

IMO, the most embarrassing part is that he just gave up on the play.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm scared of Dos Santos schooling Bornstein. He's better than Wynne, but I'm not sold.

Like I said, I'm happy that there's no Guardado and no Vela.

 

[andy_b]

I'm looking forward to the game tonight. Today is my birthday and my plans are:7pm - USA v Mexico9pm - LOST10pm - Germany v Norway friendly (being recorded this afternoon)

Happy Birthday!Tape some paper across the bottom of your screen else you are going to see the Germany Norway score scroll past you about 1000 times during the US game.

 

[andy_b]

I'm scared of Dos Santos schooling Bornstein. He's better than Wynne, but I'm not sold.

there is no need to be sold. They play different positions. Wynne is strictly a right back and Bornstein, so far, has been strictly a left back. I am not sure who is starting for the US against Dos Santos. My guess is that if Bradley has concerns, DMB will get the start as he is by far the best US wing midfielder for defense.

 

[Christo]

Robinho's goal against Italy in yesterday's friendly made SportsCenter's Top 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuZxVUqoTcg

Pirlo's action is borderline hysterical. Seeing him hobble after Robinho like a dog trying to get his toy back is even more hysterical actually. I would be pissed if he played for my national team. Definitely

IMO, the most embarrassing part is that he just gave up on the play.

The only thing that would have made it better is if it had been Maldini. Can't stand that guy.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I'm looking forward to the game tonight. Today is my birthday and my plans are:7pm - USA v Mexico9pm - LOST10pm - Germany v Norway friendly (being recorded this afternoon)

Happy Birthday!Tape some paper across the bottom of your screen else you are going to see the Germany Norway score scroll past you about 1000 times during the US game.

Thank you and good point. Maybe I'll watch the Germany game first and then watch the US game a little behind time.

 

[The Z Machine]

I'm scared of Dos Santos schooling Bornstein. He's better than Wynne, but I'm not sold.

there is no need to be sold. They play different positions. Wynne is strictly a right back and Bornstein, so far, has been strictly a left back. I am not sure who is starting for the US against Dos Santos. My guess is that if Bradley has concerns, DMB will get the start as he is by far the best US wing midfielder for defense.

I'm just comparing 2 young wing backs that are likely starting against Mexico. I never said they played the exact same position.

 

[andy_b]

Robinho's goal against Italy in yesterday's friendly made SportsCenter's Top 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuZxVUqoTcg

Pirlo's action is borderline hysterical. Seeing him hobble after Robinho like a dog trying to get his toy back is even more hysterical actually. I would be pissed if he played for my national team. Definitely

IMO, the most embarrassing part is that he just gave up on the play.

The only thing that would have made it better is if it had been Maldini. Can't stand that guy.

Don't know anything about the man but his career makes him the greatest defender ever IMO.