Moe.
Footballguy
espn2
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Saw from about 30' onward.
That last goal coulda been had by Bradley or LD, but it sure looked like they wanted to get Jozy his hat trick.
That last goal coulda been had by Bradley or LD, but it sure looked like they wanted to get Jozy his hat trick.
McBokonon
Footballguy
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I was thinking about this the other day.....he's a ####in bum?The Official Benny Feilhaber Career Highlight Reel:
End
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Native
Footballguy
Some comments on the US game:
What I liked:
1) JO-ZY: Hopefully today is the day Jozy becomes a USMNT regular. Hes the kind of striker weve been hoping for for years - strong, good pace, gifted with the ball, moves well without the ball and is a classy finisher. And to think that he didnt play his best game either. I wish he would get more playing time in Spain because this kid will be vital to our success in South Africa. Bradley better come to his senses and keep this kid in the lineup. Seriously.
2) Two strikers: While Im not convinced that Ching is the best option to be paired with Jozy up front, I like the idea of playing with two forwards. It gives us more of a presence in the box and puts pressure on the defense. Unlike in previous years, we have the horses up front to make teams uncomfortable - its a welcome change from fielding 5 man midfields to hide our weakness up front.
3) Landon on the wing - Ive always felt this is his best position and truthfully, I cant believe its taken us so long to put him there. Hes too small to play up front as a primary striker and too talented to play the poacher role. And as an attacking midfielder in the center of the pitch, he seems to get lost at times. Playing the right wing plays to his strengths- he has excellent pace, great crossing ability and some much needed creativity down the line. For all the attention Jozy received, I thought Landon played just as well tonight.
What I didnt like:
1) Midfield Possession - Clint Dempsey is a pompous showboat and sticks out like a sore thumb on a team that does its best to play as a cohesive unit. Plus, hes out of position on the left wing. It amazes me that remains one of Bradley's favorites even though philosophically he doesnt mesh with the rest of the unit. Additionally, the coaches' son was steady but far from spectacular. He seems to hold his own and defends well against weak competition but Im not sure he has the skillset to play in the MF against World Cup Caliber players. Hes definitely not the creative force we all crave. Would love for Torres or Freddie to get more opportunities in the coming months in that AM position.
2) Pablo - Didn't feel like he had a great game tonight. Yes he won a lot of balls but it also seemed like he lost possession a lot. I guess this is a bit picky given how our TOP..
Undecided:
1) Defense - Yes Howard wasnt tested the entire match. But I dont think its a reflection of our back four as much as it was reflective of the poor play of T&T. If I had to single out one defender today for anchoring the back-line, it was Bocanegra. He was our best defender today.
2) Beasely at left back. Philosophically, I love the move. Beas is our best defender in terms of backtracking and playing both ways. At his best, he can also provide a dangeorus threat down the flank. I guess Im concerned that he wasnt so involved this game, though its hard to be a factor when your team controls possession and youre playing on the back-line. Still, Hedjuk was more of a presence on the left side than Beasely was on the right.
What I liked:
1) JO-ZY: Hopefully today is the day Jozy becomes a USMNT regular. Hes the kind of striker weve been hoping for for years - strong, good pace, gifted with the ball, moves well without the ball and is a classy finisher. And to think that he didnt play his best game either. I wish he would get more playing time in Spain because this kid will be vital to our success in South Africa. Bradley better come to his senses and keep this kid in the lineup. Seriously.
2) Two strikers: While Im not convinced that Ching is the best option to be paired with Jozy up front, I like the idea of playing with two forwards. It gives us more of a presence in the box and puts pressure on the defense. Unlike in previous years, we have the horses up front to make teams uncomfortable - its a welcome change from fielding 5 man midfields to hide our weakness up front.
3) Landon on the wing - Ive always felt this is his best position and truthfully, I cant believe its taken us so long to put him there. Hes too small to play up front as a primary striker and too talented to play the poacher role. And as an attacking midfielder in the center of the pitch, he seems to get lost at times. Playing the right wing plays to his strengths- he has excellent pace, great crossing ability and some much needed creativity down the line. For all the attention Jozy received, I thought Landon played just as well tonight.
What I didnt like:
1) Midfield Possession - Clint Dempsey is a pompous showboat and sticks out like a sore thumb on a team that does its best to play as a cohesive unit. Plus, hes out of position on the left wing. It amazes me that remains one of Bradley's favorites even though philosophically he doesnt mesh with the rest of the unit. Additionally, the coaches' son was steady but far from spectacular. He seems to hold his own and defends well against weak competition but Im not sure he has the skillset to play in the MF against World Cup Caliber players. Hes definitely not the creative force we all crave. Would love for Torres or Freddie to get more opportunities in the coming months in that AM position.
2) Pablo - Didn't feel like he had a great game tonight. Yes he won a lot of balls but it also seemed like he lost possession a lot. I guess this is a bit picky given how our TOP..
Undecided:
1) Defense - Yes Howard wasnt tested the entire match. But I dont think its a reflection of our back four as much as it was reflective of the poor play of T&T. If I had to single out one defender today for anchoring the back-line, it was Bocanegra. He was our best defender today.
2) Beasely at left back. Philosophically, I love the move. Beas is our best defender in terms of backtracking and playing both ways. At his best, he can also provide a dangeorus threat down the flank. I guess Im concerned that he wasnt so involved this game, though its hard to be a factor when your team controls possession and youre playing on the back-line. Still, Hedjuk was more of a presence on the left side than Beasely was on the right.
Texas Football
Footballguy
The BBC got me with an Aprils Fools I guess. I read last week where Crouch said he wouldn't Robot because Capello would #### can him if he did. I was hoping he would do it anyways. Good for Nachos on the goal. I'm not his biggest fan, but he delivers. I still wish he would have busted out the full Robot, just to see Capellos reaction.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Well our outside back problem still hasn't been solved. It's going to be real tough against real competition (ie in the WC) to have both Hejduk/Cherundolo and Beasley as your outside backs as teams will be able to have their speedy wing (on whichevever) side get to the byline and cross to a MF isolated on the corresponding back (this is the second game in a row where Hejduk got exposed on crosses from the right). I'm all for getting the best 11 on the field (and it'll work in the HEX), but in the WC it'll be a recipe for disaster.
I think the most interesting thing about Altidore is that you can tell he knows what runs/layoffs/combo pays he should be doing even if some of them were a little off this game (probably because off rust). We haven't had a guy who knows what runs he should be making to create space in awhile.
I also liked the interplay between Beasley and Donovan on the left while Dempsey looked a little lost on the right (though I think some of that is that it always seems to me that Hejduk is a second slow providing support or making an overlapping run).
I think the most interesting thing about Altidore is that you can tell he knows what runs/layoffs/combo pays he should be doing even if some of them were a little off this game (probably because off rust). We haven't had a guy who knows what runs he should be making to create space in awhile.
I also liked the interplay between Beasley and Donovan on the left while Dempsey looked a little lost on the right (though I think some of that is that it always seems to me that Hejduk is a second slow providing support or making an overlapping run).
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Alright, I'll add my two cents....
The Good
- Jozy....obviously. He needs to be in the lineup for the next 7 qualifiers and the friendlies and #### leading up to the WC (we have to qualify first, of course). He actually reminds me a lot of Brian McBride....and I loved Brian McBride (how could you not love Brian McBride?). I think Jozy's got a bit better pace than McBride....some of the runs he was making and his move on the second goal for sure....not as good/strong in the air though. He's still getting better every game, but anytime I see flashes of the 3rd-leading scorer in US history....it's a good thing.
- General Defense....I'm not sure how much you can credit them because for the most part, T&T didn't do much offensively. But there weren't any glaring lapses like the El Salvador game, so I guess that's a plus.
- Donovan....still the (probably) greatest player in USMNT history....3 assists last night
The Bad
- Beasley at left back.....I think Beasley is a good player, but I don't know where they should play him. He was abused by Carlos Edwards numerous times last night....Edwards played fantastic, IMO.
- Michael Bradley....a pair of meh games from Bradley. Maybe it's just because he plays such a holding MF role that I don't really notice him out there much, who knows. I guess I wouldn't say he played badly, just average.
The Good
- Jozy....obviously. He needs to be in the lineup for the next 7 qualifiers and the friendlies and #### leading up to the WC (we have to qualify first, of course). He actually reminds me a lot of Brian McBride....and I loved Brian McBride (how could you not love Brian McBride?). I think Jozy's got a bit better pace than McBride....some of the runs he was making and his move on the second goal for sure....not as good/strong in the air though. He's still getting better every game, but anytime I see flashes of the 3rd-leading scorer in US history....it's a good thing.
- General Defense....I'm not sure how much you can credit them because for the most part, T&T didn't do much offensively. But there weren't any glaring lapses like the El Salvador game, so I guess that's a plus.
- Donovan....still the (probably) greatest player in USMNT history....3 assists last night
The Bad
- Beasley at left back.....I think Beasley is a good player, but I don't know where they should play him. He was abused by Carlos Edwards numerous times last night....Edwards played fantastic, IMO.
- Michael Bradley....a pair of meh games from Bradley. Maybe it's just because he plays such a holding MF role that I don't really notice him out there much, who knows. I guess I wouldn't say he played badly, just average.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
DMB is NOT the solution at left back. He played there yesterday because T&T have little attacking threat, which essentially give another winger to throw into a fast counter overlapping run type attack. I'd much prefer a more traditional left back that can tackle, mark, and muscle people off the ball, preventing crosses from happening. These aren't DMB's strong suits.
whoknew
Footballguy
Who wouldn't? The problem is, who exactly would that be?
Can't really make much of a game vs Trinidad and Tobago, but I did think the fluidity on offense was there with Ching, Altidore and Donovan being able to run up from the middle or on the wings. I am a pretty big fan of Ching, may be in the minority there 
:godynamo:
I can't imagine Beasley and Heydjuk on the wings on defense against a world class team however. Is either of them over 5'5"?
:godynamo:I can't imagine Beasley and Heydjuk on the wings on defense against a world class team however. Is either of them over 5'5"?
andy_b
Footballguy
they are both listed at 5'8".Cherundolo (who I think is a lock to start if healthy) is listed at 5'6"
andy_b
Footballguy
everyone needs to pray Spector can make the leap by next summer else that position is going to stick out like a sore thumb, especially knowing Bradley is likely to stick with some form of 4-4-2
andy_b
Footballguy
I believe Dempsey has played the last two games on the right wing, which is where he played for the Revs for multiple years before moving to Fulham.
andy_b
Footballguy
Lets update the standard deviation table
A typical standard for determining how things are going in qualifying is tracking the deviations from 3 points at home, 1 point away.
Here is how the CONCACAF table is shaping up based on deviations
US: Win home, Draw road, Win Home: Deviation = 0
CR: Win Home, Loss Away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
Hon: Loss Away, Draw Away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
Mexico: Loss away, Win Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -2
T&T: Draw Away, Draw Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -3
ELS: Draw Home, Draw Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -5
A typical standard for determining how things are going in qualifying is tracking the deviations from 3 points at home, 1 point away.
Here is how the CONCACAF table is shaping up based on deviations
US: Win home, Draw road, Win Home: Deviation = 0
CR: Win Home, Loss Away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
Hon: Loss Away, Draw Away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
Mexico: Loss away, Win Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -2
T&T: Draw Away, Draw Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -3
ELS: Draw Home, Draw Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -5
Sammy3469
Footballguy
I wouldn't be shocked if we eventually end up with some form of a 3-5-2 with Cherundolo/Hejduk/Beasley on the wings. I don't think we have the backs to play a 4 along the back without leaving the two middle guys exposed.
andy_b
Footballguy
I am a big 3-5-2 fan but to my knowledge, I don't remember Bradley ever fielding that formation for the Nats or while in MLS.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
What the hell happened to Argentina? Looks like I'm going to need to pick a new team as the favorite going in to 2010.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Dempsey often played on the wings for Fulham too though.andy_b said:
jpeace121
Footballguy
Maybe not in theory, but in practice we were awfully close to one for significant stretches of the match last night. Once it was clear that T&T wasn't too interested in anything but defending, DMB started to roam quite a bit with Boca shifting left to cover the space. I think playing DMB at left back provides the kind of flexibility to allow them to run this kind of hybrid formation.andy_b said:
The Z Machine
Footballguy
I like Dempsey on the right wing, and for part of the 1st half, it sure looked like LD was playing on the left wing, which I found interesting. He's got the technical ability to spring an attack (unlike the rest of the team) from that side not only by beating a defender to a through-pass, but actually creating a pass to a player in space and then making an overlapping run to the center of the field. I though he played better on the left wing than he does when I've seen him on the right wing.
Obviously Jozy was the finisher, but don't forget that LD had 3 assists in that game. He's the playmaker that can set up an attack NOT based on a counter or speed. In fact, at some point in the game LD compared favorably to Xavi IMO, which is saying something.
I also liked the "swap sides across the field" thing that was happening. Often times the US gets stuck into channels on the offensive side and the ball rarely moves to the opposite side of the field during an attack. A lot of this has to do with the USMNT playing a fast-attack thing where they don't have a ton of possession inside the opponents defensive third of the field. No doubt this is a stylistic thing where the touch passing needs to be top notch to pull off. That means that Bradley, LD, and Dempsey need to consistently link up with one touch passing at a slower pace without being dispossessed of the ball. Easier said than done, especially considering that Dempsey loves to move the ball forward whenever possible, and rarely passes back down the flank or back into the the central midfield. He's much more likely to force a 30m shot that has no chance of going in. Nonetheless, I *still* like him on the right flank due to his speed and mentality (plus no one else plays the position nearly as well).
I think that CR looks like the mostly likely 3rd (or 2nd) team out of CONCACAF. The question in my mind is who will be 4th? Honduras or someone else? Personally, I'd love for the Salvis to go, but they're terrible, and T&T isn't as good as they were in qualifying for 2006, and that's saying something. The US is in a great position to qualify early and let the up and coming players get some real PT in the last few qualifying matches.
Obviously Jozy was the finisher, but don't forget that LD had 3 assists in that game. He's the playmaker that can set up an attack NOT based on a counter or speed. In fact, at some point in the game LD compared favorably to Xavi IMO, which is saying something.
I also liked the "swap sides across the field" thing that was happening. Often times the US gets stuck into channels on the offensive side and the ball rarely moves to the opposite side of the field during an attack. A lot of this has to do with the USMNT playing a fast-attack thing where they don't have a ton of possession inside the opponents defensive third of the field. No doubt this is a stylistic thing where the touch passing needs to be top notch to pull off. That means that Bradley, LD, and Dempsey need to consistently link up with one touch passing at a slower pace without being dispossessed of the ball. Easier said than done, especially considering that Dempsey loves to move the ball forward whenever possible, and rarely passes back down the flank or back into the the central midfield. He's much more likely to force a 30m shot that has no chance of going in. Nonetheless, I *still* like him on the right flank due to his speed and mentality (plus no one else plays the position nearly as well).
I think that CR looks like the mostly likely 3rd (or 2nd) team out of CONCACAF. The question in my mind is who will be 4th? Honduras or someone else? Personally, I'd love for the Salvis to go, but they're terrible, and T&T isn't as good as they were in qualifying for 2006, and that's saying something. The US is in a great position to qualify early and let the up and coming players get some real PT in the last few qualifying matches.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Steve Tasker for Prez said:
It was like a dumbed down version of Total Football.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
It's amazing Bradley took this long to give Altidore some meaningful PT...I've been calling for Altidore in this thread for several months now.Bradley pisses me off.
scoobygang
Footballguy
Well, I might as well add my own ratings for last night.
Howard -- 6 -- Was hardly tested, and almost had a howler with that clearance he played off of Stern John (in fairness, it was a bad back pass from Beasley). But he did what Guzan still doesn't do very well, which is organize the back line and be extremely vocal.
Hejduk -- 7 -- Yes, he's a spaz. Yes, his crossing is inconsistent (although I think traditional crosses are the one thing T&T was well suited to defend with their height). But the guy does bring a ton of energy. His tackling has seemed reckless, but this is two straight games where he timed them perfectly.
Gooch -- 6.5 -- His distribution still seems off to me. He does cause a ton of problems on set plays (the "own goal" he caused should have counted). Did well to mostly neutalize Kenwynne Jones, a striker who's probably better regarded than Altidore worldwide right now.
Bocanegara -- 7.5 -- Never really put a foot wrong. Beautiful long ball down the channel to Ching to set up the first goal.
Beasley -- 6.5 -- I really want to give him an incomplete. I still think he might be our best LB option, especially if they keep Landon on the left. Beas and Landon worked well together. I even think he's getting a bit of bum rap on the Edwards stuff. He was still just fast enough to make Edwards cross too early on those plays. Edwards is one of the fastest players in the world. He's Walcott fast. Heath Pearce would been have ten yards behind him. Still, Beasley lacked some positional awareness and some of his backpassing was suspect.
Dempsey -- 5 -- Had one spell early in the second half where they tried to play a lot through him. But didn't show an awful lot. I thought his passing was off.
Bradley --7-- Played a more forward role. I thought he did well to carry the ball into space at times to relieve some pressure. His final shot/pass was a bit off, but his simple distribution was fine. We don't have a Xavi on this team. Freddy might have a future as a creative sub in some situations, but Bradley is just the better option now.
Pablo --7 -- Sebowki's crystal ball was better than mine. I thought he was excellent. Probably a 7.5 if there weren't that suspicion of a hand ball in the box. He really settled things down in midfield. He was active in providing an outlet for Landon when he dribbled into pressure. Miles better than the typical Edu performance in that role and a big step up from Sacha's last two starts.
Landon --8 -- Man of the match for me. Maybe a few one touch passing attempts that didn't come off, but he was a nightmare for T&T all game. Inch perfect cross on the first goal. Ridiculous turn on the second goal. I don't think it's even a question that he's the greatest (field) player this country has ever produced. He just thinks faster than any other player we have.
Ching -- 7.5 -- Both strikers ran all over the field. I hate to repeat myself, but Ching is our Emile Heskey. A guy fans hate, but who coaches like to have. Lots of little things. Draws fouls. Stretches defenders to enable the second run. Useful holdup play (which is still a big weakness for Jozy). Ching leading the line lets Jozy play more like a poor man's Wayne Rooney.
Jozy -- 7.5 -- I'm torn, because I saw plenty of things to complain about from Jozy last night. His touch when trying to hold the ball up was pretty bad. He missed a genuine sitter and failed to control another scoring opportunity. But how many players get in position to possibly score five or six goals? Jozy's physical gifts are something we can't get from anyone else. And his second goal was legitimately classy. Jozy made excellent runs for the most part (I thought he should have gone far post on the ball that Ching played between the keeper's legs though).
Overall, I think it's nice to think that the US actually has the ability to fit a lineup to the opposition. Freddy and Torres can always come on if we need a bit more flair in the midfield. If Cherundulo gets healthy, we'll get better right hand service, but Frankie has convinced me that he can play there if necessary. Especially if we need a bit more speed (I'm still holding out hope that Marvel Wynne can make the leap to the next level. He's got Gooch/Jozy like athleticism).
Howard -- 6 -- Was hardly tested, and almost had a howler with that clearance he played off of Stern John (in fairness, it was a bad back pass from Beasley). But he did what Guzan still doesn't do very well, which is organize the back line and be extremely vocal.
Hejduk -- 7 -- Yes, he's a spaz. Yes, his crossing is inconsistent (although I think traditional crosses are the one thing T&T was well suited to defend with their height). But the guy does bring a ton of energy. His tackling has seemed reckless, but this is two straight games where he timed them perfectly.
Gooch -- 6.5 -- His distribution still seems off to me. He does cause a ton of problems on set plays (the "own goal" he caused should have counted). Did well to mostly neutalize Kenwynne Jones, a striker who's probably better regarded than Altidore worldwide right now.
Bocanegara -- 7.5 -- Never really put a foot wrong. Beautiful long ball down the channel to Ching to set up the first goal.
Beasley -- 6.5 -- I really want to give him an incomplete. I still think he might be our best LB option, especially if they keep Landon on the left. Beas and Landon worked well together. I even think he's getting a bit of bum rap on the Edwards stuff. He was still just fast enough to make Edwards cross too early on those plays. Edwards is one of the fastest players in the world. He's Walcott fast. Heath Pearce would been have ten yards behind him. Still, Beasley lacked some positional awareness and some of his backpassing was suspect.
Dempsey -- 5 -- Had one spell early in the second half where they tried to play a lot through him. But didn't show an awful lot. I thought his passing was off.
Bradley --7-- Played a more forward role. I thought he did well to carry the ball into space at times to relieve some pressure. His final shot/pass was a bit off, but his simple distribution was fine. We don't have a Xavi on this team. Freddy might have a future as a creative sub in some situations, but Bradley is just the better option now.
Pablo --7 -- Sebowki's crystal ball was better than mine. I thought he was excellent. Probably a 7.5 if there weren't that suspicion of a hand ball in the box. He really settled things down in midfield. He was active in providing an outlet for Landon when he dribbled into pressure. Miles better than the typical Edu performance in that role and a big step up from Sacha's last two starts.
Landon --8 -- Man of the match for me. Maybe a few one touch passing attempts that didn't come off, but he was a nightmare for T&T all game. Inch perfect cross on the first goal. Ridiculous turn on the second goal. I don't think it's even a question that he's the greatest (field) player this country has ever produced. He just thinks faster than any other player we have.
Ching -- 7.5 -- Both strikers ran all over the field. I hate to repeat myself, but Ching is our Emile Heskey. A guy fans hate, but who coaches like to have. Lots of little things. Draws fouls. Stretches defenders to enable the second run. Useful holdup play (which is still a big weakness for Jozy). Ching leading the line lets Jozy play more like a poor man's Wayne Rooney.
Jozy -- 7.5 -- I'm torn, because I saw plenty of things to complain about from Jozy last night. His touch when trying to hold the ball up was pretty bad. He missed a genuine sitter and failed to control another scoring opportunity. But how many players get in position to possibly score five or six goals? Jozy's physical gifts are something we can't get from anyone else. And his second goal was legitimately classy. Jozy made excellent runs for the most part (I thought he should have gone far post on the ball that Ching played between the keeper's legs though).
Overall, I think it's nice to think that the US actually has the ability to fit a lineup to the opposition. Freddy and Torres can always come on if we need a bit more flair in the midfield. If Cherundulo gets healthy, we'll get better right hand service, but Frankie has convinced me that he can play there if necessary. Especially if we need a bit more speed (I'm still holding out hope that Marvel Wynne can make the leap to the next level. He's got Gooch/Jozy like athleticism).
andy_b
Footballguy
try not to get hurt patting yourself on your back, we have been talking about Jozy in this thread since page 1 more than two years ago.http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=6357978
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
Wynne scares me on the right. He makes WAY too many mistakes and lets wingers get past him with ease. I doubt he'll be ready for WC2010. The DR spot is 'dolo's to lose IMO.
Also, I thought that Pablo played very well last night. He's well seasoned, and it shows. I have full faith in him. He and Boca play well together, and I think their influence on Gooch is positive as well.
Also, I thought that Pablo played very well last night. He's well seasoned, and it shows. I have full faith in him. He and Boca play well together, and I think their influence on Gooch is positive as well.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Does anyone else think Beasley is ridiculously overrated.....To be fair... City could have 10 guys named Henry playing and Beasley STILL would have been painfully bad. But you're right- the whole team was pretty awful... it must be that they're missing that dynamo, Claudio Reyna- the glue that held their whole team together!Saw the Man City game, and in Beasley's defense, the entire side was awful. But Beasley's been entirely ineffective all year long. Fulham has the good US players
page 3 of the thread
LHUCKS
Footballguy
I'm speaking specifically to putting him in the starting lineup for important US games...Bradley has been behind the 8-ball because of political BS...trying not to hurt anyone's feelings.
andy_b
Footballguy
I should be shot for thinking this but I remember many US fans (including myself) creaming themselves after Eddie Johnson scored 7 goals in his first 6 World Cup qualifiers and now he is no where to be found on the US radar at age 25....
Just saying...
Just saying...
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But you've also been calling for him to replace Ching, which he is not able to do yet.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Yeah, but the one big difference is that Altidore at least seems to know the correct runs to make (I don't think Johnson ever knew that) and he knows what he's suppose to do with the ball even if he flubbed a bunch of touches last night. Johnson always seemed to be running around with his head chopped off.I also think some are overrating Hejduk's performance. Part of the reason Dempsey looked so relatively bad was that Hejduk is frequently late making the needed overlapping runs or providing an outlet for a backpass. He also gets exposed any time he has to cover anyone going to goal w/out the ball.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Overrating Hejduk? I thought he was the weakest players on the field (usually, that ire is reserved for Ching). Since Ching wasn't asked to score, but instead body up defenders, make some appropriate passes, take up space/attention, and generally get out of the way for LD and Altidore, he did very well.
Against better competition, Ching is a waste.
Against better competition, Ching is a waste.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
You gotta admit that ball he played on the first goal was ####### perfect though.Otherwise I agree.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Yes, that pass was played beautifully, and set up the goal perfectly. However, it was what *should* be done in that situation/role.
Sebowski
Footballguy
Argentina was probably over confident, and La Paz is a hell of a place to play. Terrible field 10,000 feet up. Could be a wake up call. Could be a sign that Maradona isn't going to be a very good coach.
eagles2007
Footballguy
isn't the answer playing in germany? has he decided who the hell he is going to play for yet?
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Subotic? He made his debut appearance for Serbia last week I believe.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
overrating is the wrond term...I more meant downgrading Dempsey. Hejduk leaves him isolated entirely too much.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I don't know if he's made an appearance yet, but he decided on Serbia a few months ago.ETA - yeah he's got 2 appearances in the books now
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andy_b
Footballguy
In the biggest non shocking move of the week, Mexico fired Sven Goran yesterday.
Mexico is too talented to miss qualifying IMO but they need to get things fixed fast. Their combined record in qualifying is horrible compared to their usual standards.
This is a team with talented youngsters and a older set of players that is either retired or on the down slope of their career.
It does not help that there best player, Marquez, plays below his level when he puts on a green shirt.
Mexico is too talented to miss qualifying IMO but they need to get things fixed fast. Their combined record in qualifying is horrible compared to their usual standards.
This is a team with talented youngsters and a older set of players that is either retired or on the down slope of their career.
It does not help that there best player, Marquez, plays below his level when he puts on a green shirt.
andy_b
Footballguy
Great news from Fox!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9040200435.html
Fox will broadcast 31 live and 79 delayed matches on FSC next season. Sixteen games will air on Fox Sports Net on Tuesdays, and the final from Madrid on May 22, 2010, will be on FX as the Union of European Football Association switches the championship to Saturday from its traditional Wednesday.
FSC, which reaches 34 million households, plans to launch HD telecasts at the end of this year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9040200435.html
Fox will broadcast 31 live and 79 delayed matches on FSC next season. Sixteen games will air on Fox Sports Net on Tuesdays, and the final from Madrid on May 22, 2010, will be on FX as the Union of European Football Association switches the championship to Saturday from its traditional Wednesday.
FSC, which reaches 34 million households, plans to launch HD telecasts at the end of this year.
Kendall
I heart waffles
Great, now I have to get cable.
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