andy_b
Footballguy
I would be ok with DMB and Cherundolo as my two outside backs, especially knowing that Bradley likes them to push up on occasion.I also agree that the US did not play better over all.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (7 Viewers)
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Kendall
I heart waffles
At the same time when DaMarcus moved to LB at the end of the game he still wasn't making forward runs. Even the annoucers were calling him on it. But I still agree with starting him there and seeing what Torres can do. I liked what little I saw from him.
andy_b
Footballguy
to be fair to DMB, the US had clearly changed its tactics by that time and were just pumping ball after ball after ball into the box. I think that is one of the reasons we went almost 15 minutes straight with out seeing Landon involved.
Kendall
I heart waffles
Yeah, it seemed like they would just drop it Calif and he would kick the crap out of it. But there were a few times I remember DMB dribbling up the left, then passing in to Torres and instead of making a run up field he would just stand there, 10 feet away from Torres, kind of watching him, but not really dropping back to give him more space. It was weird.
Don't agree with this at all.
andy_b
Footballguy
which part? That players continue to leave MLS and not improve their form with the national team or that Dempsey himself is not improving?There is no question in my mind that Dempsey is having MUCH less impact on the Nats than he had 2-3 years ago when he was a focal and driving point in the team. Now he is invisible most games (which could be in part due to the tactics of the coach).England seems to have destroyed the best part of Dempsey which was he creativity and williness to try new things, a trait sorely missing from almost all US players. Watching Dempsey play with the Revs was a joy. Every game led to new ideas and thoughts and Nicol used his talents perfectly. Dempsey biggest strength is one that has been entirely removed from his arsenal and that was his ability to lie some what deep in midfield and catch everyone by surprise by crashing the box and getting on the end of crosses. This is something I am sure that both Fulham and Bradley are likely frowning upon which has caused him to stop trying it and just "keep his shape".
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Maradonna has now stated Pele lost his virginity to a man. LOL
Diego Maradona has reacted to claims made by Pele that he is not a good role model for children, by declaring that he lost his virginity with a man.
The Brazilian legend claimed last week that both Ronaldo
and Robinho have taken drugs, and that Maradona is not someone to look up to because of his history with narcotics.
The Argentine coach was asked for his thoughts on these statements at a press conference today, and did not twist his words when responding.
"What do you want me to say? He debuted (lost his virginity) with a lad (a man)," is what the coach told a press conference, attended by Goal.com's Martin Decaux.
"I don't know if that's a good example or a bad one."
This response prompted plenty of laughter from many of the journalists present at the conference but it is unlikely to go down to well with the Brazilian, nor with some onlookers, due to content that could be viewed as homophobic.
Pele has already had to track back on his claims that Robinho had taken drugs, after the Manchester City man threatened to take legal action.
The now retired Pele claimed that what had been quoted was a "misunderstanding" and suggested the drugs claims were not true.
This latest remark by Maradona has dragged the Brazilian legend into the spotlight yet again and it will be intriguing to see if, or how, he reacts to the comments.
Diego Maradona has reacted to claims made by Pele that he is not a good role model for children, by declaring that he lost his virginity with a man.
The Brazilian legend claimed last week that both Ronaldo
and Robinho have taken drugs, and that Maradona is not someone to look up to because of his history with narcotics.
The Argentine coach was asked for his thoughts on these statements at a press conference today, and did not twist his words when responding.
"What do you want me to say? He debuted (lost his virginity) with a lad (a man)," is what the coach told a press conference, attended by Goal.com's Martin Decaux.
"I don't know if that's a good example or a bad one."
This response prompted plenty of laughter from many of the journalists present at the conference but it is unlikely to go down to well with the Brazilian, nor with some onlookers, due to content that could be viewed as homophobic.
Pele has already had to track back on his claims that Robinho had taken drugs, after the Manchester City man threatened to take legal action.
The now retired Pele claimed that what had been quoted was a "misunderstanding" and suggested the drugs claims were not true.
This latest remark by Maradona has dragged the Brazilian legend into the spotlight yet again and it will be intriguing to see if, or how, he reacts to the comments.
Satchel's Cat
Footballguy
W(hen)TF did John Harkes turn into a leprechaun? He has an Irish accent that comes and goes. Makes him sound like the local youth club team coaches who affect an accent because they think is makes them sound more relevant. If it's legit, then so be it, but it's like nails on the chalkboard.
That Dempsey is not improving. I watch Fulham and see flashes of his creativity. But it's now better harnessed. He doesn't need to pull as many rabbits out of the hat there. As for the US, either Bradley stifles him or he feels he cannot do what he used to do. He certainly does not have as much impact on the US as he does with Fulham.
TwinTurbo
Footballguy
What are some things that the US Soccer Federation could be doing better to identify and develop new talent? I just find it hard to believe that the current crop of US players is as good as it gets. Have the USSF initiatives like the US Soccer Development Academy provided the necessary resources for grooming the next generation of talent? Or do we ultimately need to follow the European model of top clubs developing hundreds of young players at a time with the primary motive being financial interest?
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
My bet is we'll all be missing ESPN this time next year: Fox Wins US TV Rights to Champions LeagueI like the comment on Ives' blog: "After getting used to HD, I find that watching FSC is much like watching Soccer Made in Germany on UHF during the 70's..."
scoobygang
Footballguy
They can pick on FSC, but diss Toby Charles and it's on like mother####ing Donkey Kong.I had a Soccer Made in Germany gym back that my dad got for contributing to PBS.
andy_b
Footballguy
I 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: Deviation = 0
Mexico: Loss away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
CR: Win Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -1
Hon: Loss Away, Draw Away: Deviation = -1
T&T: Draw Away, Draw Home: Deviation = -2
ELS: Draw Home, Draw Home: Deviation = -4
ELS is actually above Honduras on points and yet a table like this shows that ELS is actually in much worse shape than the current points indicate.
Here is how the CONCACAF table is shaping up based on deviations
US: Win home, Draw road: Deviation = 0
Mexico: Loss away, Win Home: Deviation = -1
CR: Win Home, Loss Away: Deviation = -1
Hon: Loss Away, Draw Away: Deviation = -1
T&T: Draw Away, Draw Home: Deviation = -2
ELS: Draw Home, Draw Home: Deviation = -4
ELS is actually above Honduras on points and yet a table like this shows that ELS is actually in much worse shape than the current points indicate.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
I'll be surprised if Sacha is in the lineup. I half expect Bradley to insert Altidore in the lineup and pull him, put Donovan in the middle and Dempsey on the right, but what do I know.Bradley also called Bornstein into camp which says to me he isn't happy with his LB play (or left side play).
Kendall
I heart waffles
With how poorly they played most of the game I would hope he might try and shake things up a bit. Maybe something like:
Howard
Hejduk Gooch (if Available) Boca DMB
Dempsey Bradley Pablo Torres
Donovan Ching
I'd like to see Jozy up there, but I still don't see Bradley taking Ching out of his 4-4-2
andy_b
Footballguy
was he called into camp after the ELS game?
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Apparently...I was looking at how I would rejigger the lineup and saw it.http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArtic...p_13533185.html
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
Wynalda has great potential as the color guy, if only he could keep from getting fired.Loved Toby Charles. It is impossible to remember those games with out hearing his voice in my head.Going to be interesting to see if the US can develop a world class player or broadcaster firstscoobygang said:
scoobygang
Footballguy
I think they might pull Torres into the middle, play Dempsey on the left (where I usually see him play for Fulham), and put Landon back on the right in midfield. Ching certainly wasn't the problem against El Salvador as near as I can tell. His lay off to Frankie to set up the first goal was exactly what he's in the game to do. And I thought he linked well with Jozy. He made the right run on the shot that was saved at the end of the game. It would have been nice if he could have picked the corner on the resulting shot, but that's asking a lot.I don't know what they'll want from the left back spot for T&T, but I imagine those of us wanting to see the left back get forward will be disappointed. I doubt they're going to give any LB much offensive freedom with Carlos Edwards on the right flank for the Soca Boys.
Kendall
I heart waffles
I guess I would like Pablo in and have Bradley play forward more. All I read about him in Europe is how he is good going forward and plays an attacking midfield role. Pablo would certainly play more defensively. The last thing I want Bob Bradley to do is to throw Torres into the middle and ask him to hang back and defend. I would be fine with moving Dempsey to the left, pushing Landon to the right and starting Jozy up top with Ching.I agree with you that Ching wasn't the problem on Saturday. He might have been the best overall performer for the U.S. that night (for the entire course of the game). And I freaked when Jozy layed that ball off nicely for Ching because for an instant I thought the U.S. was going to steal a win.
scoobygang
Footballguy
I think Bradley is a good opportunistic goal scorer for the same reason he seems to have some aptitude as a holding midfielder. His reflexes are quick, so he times challenges pretty well (although I've seen games where he gives up too many free kicks) and he's really quick to pounce on junk when set plays break down. I think you get 85% of Bradley's offensive strengths just by bringing him up for the set pieces. So I'm not sure I'd sacrifice to play him in a more advanced role. What Torres seemed to bring over the weekend was something that Bradley, Edu, and Klestjan have all struggled at. Passing when being pressured by a team overloading the midfield. Having Pablo back in also an option. T&T has given the US far too much space in the midfield when playing in the US recently. If they keep that tactic, I don't think it will matter.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I love playing the guess the lineup for tonight's game game...
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Well, that's a little misleading, given the switch from the OFC ---> AFC, but
to them. I always like to see the Socceroos do well...
chook
Footballguy
A lot more anticlimactic this time around, with three games three games left (as opposed to the penalty shootout vs Uruguay in '05, losing to Uruguay over two legs in '01 and the heartbreak of the two late goals conceded to Iran in '97), but I'll take it!Well, that's a little misleading, given the switch from the OFC ---> AFC, butWith a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan tonight, the Aussies look to have been the first team to qualify for WC2010, after being the last team to do so for 2006.
to them. I always like to see the Socceroos do well...
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I think we'll see a pretty similar lineup to what we saw against El Salvador. Maybe something like this:
This isn't what I'd like to see, but I wouldn't be surprised to see this one.
That's just a guess. Kljestan played pretty poorly last game, IMO (sub in....Edu? Mastroeni? Leave Sacha in?), and if Gooch is healthy he should be in over Pearce or Califf. Howard is a no-brainer in goal, too.
This isn't what I'd like to see, but I wouldn't be surprised to see this one.
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Texas Football
Footballguy
I just caught this blurb on the BBC:
2032: GOAL England 1-0 Ukraine
John Terry heads a corner into the mixer and Peter Crouch executes a volley that only someone of his height could manage. Ridiculous dancing celebration follows.
Anyone have a link to the dance? Please be the Robot pt II.
2032: GOAL England 1-0 Ukraine
John Terry heads a corner into the mixer and Peter Crouch executes a volley that only someone of his height could manage. Ridiculous dancing celebration follows.
Anyone have a link to the dance? Please be the Robot pt II.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
I bought it in February too - I was going to be laid up after kidney surgery, so I wanted something to help pass the time. It is addicting, better than the EA version in my opinion. It is very involved, though I find I really enjoy the level of detail.I agree about the super teams though - Arsenal is a juggernaut in EPL, and Real Madrid is ridiculously good in La Liga.
prefontaine
Footballguy
I think this pretty much nails it. I'm not sure what the problem is but Dempsey is obviously not an impact player for the Nats since Bradley took over. I think Bradley demands so much defensive play from his mids that Dempsey is thinking too much and not playing his game. And he hasn't looked particularly good at offensive mid/withdrawn striker either so I'm really not sure what the deal is. I know a lot of people are hard on BBs style because we have certain talents that simply don't fit it. Adu, Dempsey and even LD have no real position in his formation. To play the style he wants, we need big strong holding mids like we've had in the past but we really don't have any now, other than potentially his son. We need wing backs with tremendous pace and can overlap to give some offense and Hejduk is actually the only one with that skillset meaning a spaz who makes too many mistakes is on the field all the time. And we need a dominant play with your back to the goal striker and the best we have is Ching since McBride left.
I actually like the Bradley style a lot and if you had a club team that could move players in and out. But the US has too few true talents and it seems like our style should be reflective of our strengths. I would somehow try to build a system that got LD, Adu, Altidore, and Dempsey on the pitch at the same time. I actually think some form of 4-3-3 makes sense. Maybe dropping something like
------------Altidore
Dempsey------------Donovan
------------Adu
----DMB-------Bradley
This gives Dempsey and LD wing and attacking responsibilities with Adu getting playmaker behind (though maybe LD and Adu switch). And then DMB and Bradley can take on mostly defensive responsibilities where I think their strengths lie. Doubt we'll ever see something like this but when you see how ineffective a guy like Demps is for the Nats you just begin to wonder whether he will ever fit into this system.
whoknew
Footballguy
Adu, Pearce, Spector and Califf not in uniform
From Soccer by Ives:
PRE-GAME- Here is the U.S. national team's starting lineup (yep, you're seeing it here first)
-------------Ching-----------Altidore--------------
Dempsey---------------------------------Donovan
-------------Bradley--------Mastroeni-----------
Beasley----Bocanegra-----Onyewu-------Hejduk
---------------------Howard----------------------
No, that's not an April Fool's Joke, but a very interesting starting lineup indeed. Are you surprised to see this group? Jozy Altidore has earned the chance to start while Beasley could wind up being the answer to a shaky left back position.
I was not able to confirm what formation the U.S. team will be using, but this makes the most sense for this group of players. The other remote possibility is a 3-5-2 formation, which would be a real departure from what we've come to expect from Bob Bradley:
-------------Ching-----------Altidore--------------
Beasley-------------Donovan-------------Dempsey
-------------Bradley--------Mastroeni--------------
Bocanegra---------Onyewu-----------------Hejduk
---------------------Howard--------------------------
The 4-4-2 makes much more sense, particularly with Kenwyne Jone roaming around for T&T. To be fair, even if Beasley plays as the left back, he will be looking to attack enough so that the formation plays like a 3-5-2.
From Soccer by Ives:
PRE-GAME- Here is the U.S. national team's starting lineup (yep, you're seeing it here first)
-------------Ching-----------Altidore--------------
Dempsey---------------------------------Donovan
-------------Bradley--------Mastroeni-----------
Beasley----Bocanegra-----Onyewu-------Hejduk
---------------------Howard----------------------
No, that's not an April Fool's Joke, but a very interesting starting lineup indeed. Are you surprised to see this group? Jozy Altidore has earned the chance to start while Beasley could wind up being the answer to a shaky left back position.
I was not able to confirm what formation the U.S. team will be using, but this makes the most sense for this group of players. The other remote possibility is a 3-5-2 formation, which would be a real departure from what we've come to expect from Bob Bradley:
-------------Ching-----------Altidore--------------
Beasley-------------Donovan-------------Dempsey
-------------Bradley--------Mastroeni--------------
Bocanegra---------Onyewu-----------------Hejduk
---------------------Howard--------------------------
The 4-4-2 makes much more sense, particularly with Kenwyne Jone roaming around for T&T. To be fair, even if Beasley plays as the left back, he will be looking to attack enough so that the formation plays like a 3-5-2.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Not in the least..it basically gets your best 9 (I'm excluding Hejduk and Pablo here) on the field at the same time and gets Beasley out of MF where he blew last game.Adu, Pearce, Spector and Califf not in uniformFrom Soccer by IvesRE-GAME- Here is the U.S. national team's starting lineup (yep, you're seeing it here first)-------------Ching-----------Altidore--------------Dempsey---------------------------------Donovan-------------Bradley--------Mastroeni-----------Beasley----Bocanegra-----Onyewu-------Hejduk---------------------Howard----------------------No, that's not an April Fool's Joke, but a very interesting starting lineup indeed. Are you surprised to see this group? Jozy Altidore has earned the chance to start while Beasley could wind up being the answer to a shaky left back position.
whoknew
Footballguy
Right. Just to be clear - those are Ives' comments, not mine. I would have like to have seen Torres get in there after the last game.And I still don't understand what Bradley has against Adu.Not in the least..it basically gets your best 9 (I'm excluding Hejduk and Pablo here) on the field at the same time and gets Beasley out of MF where he blew last game.Adu, Pearce, Spector and Califf not in uniformFrom Soccer by Ives
scoobygang
Footballguy
For all the hand wringing over a draw away to El Salvador, we should note that Argentina lost by 5 to Bolivia today.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Is it on TV?
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