LHUCKS
Footballguy
Good question, I think I'm going to be in freaking Hong Kong when the Final is played...getting up at 4:00 Australia time for these games has kind of sucked too.
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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread***
- Thread starter jpeace121
- Start date
Howard - WOW - That guy just stood on his head there in goal.
Very nice game by the US. Completely surprised by the result. This has me out of my seat the way the game against Portugal in the WC did. I loved the Benny sub. Bought some energy back into the stagnant attack we had in the 2nd half. That goal was a dagger to Spain. You could see it all go away from them after that.
On the red card to Bradley. I don't know if I agree with it. Pretty silly challenge at that point in the game. We were up 2-0. There was no reason to go in that hard on the ball there. I think it may have merited a caution but a straight red. Now, Bradley has to have some concern about the send offs to this team. 3 in 4 games. Not good. Harkes had it right. Not sure if it is just sketch calls from the refs or if we are taking silly challenges at bad times and places on the field. Personally, I think we have been a bit unlucky with them in this tournament. Something to pay attention to for the remainderof the qualifiers and the WC.
Very nice game by the US. Completely surprised by the result. This has me out of my seat the way the game against Portugal in the WC did. I loved the Benny sub. Bought some energy back into the stagnant attack we had in the 2nd half. That goal was a dagger to Spain. You could see it all go away from them after that.
On the red card to Bradley. I don't know if I agree with it. Pretty silly challenge at that point in the game. We were up 2-0. There was no reason to go in that hard on the ball there. I think it may have merited a caution but a straight red. Now, Bradley has to have some concern about the send offs to this team. 3 in 4 games. Not good. Harkes had it right. Not sure if it is just sketch calls from the refs or if we are taking silly challenges at bad times and places on the field. Personally, I think we have been a bit unlucky with them in this tournament. Something to pay attention to for the remainderof the qualifiers and the WC.
The Kansas Comet
Footballguy
Sunday, 2:30 pm Eastern
AcerFC
Footballguy
I know everyone bashes MLS but its times like these that I am proud to have been a season ticket holder for the Metros/Red Bulls who had Howard, Jozy, Bradley and Clark who all played well today (Clark played decent enough and blocked some shots)
I would like to see some left wing players being brought in though. I think that is a real weak spot although Landon plays well there.
Im thinking a guy like Brad Davis or Mike Konikoff would be nice
I would like to see some left wing players being brought in though. I think that is a real weak spot although Landon plays well there.
Im thinking a guy like Brad Davis or Mike Konikoff would be nice
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scoobygang
Footballguy
Player ratings--
Howard -- 9 -- Yeah, it's a high rating considering he didn't have any OH MY GOD saves. But he had a lot of very good saves and he decision making was excellent. I sometimes think that Howard barks a bit too much at his backline, and I liked seeing him encourage them today.
Bocanegra -- 5 -- Kind of an incomplete grade because as Steve Tasker said, Spain inexplicably did nothing down the right flank in the second half. I thought he did well early in the game making himself available to the midfielders for outlets, but eventually he just sort of hung back when they parked the bus.
Gooch -- 8.5 -- Just huge in the air. Incredibly brave and physical defending all game. I still quibble with his distribution, but he's too old to become Daniel Agger.
DeMerit -- 8 -- Almost impossible to pick between him and Gooch. This tourney was huge for him, because 2010 is the only chance at World Cup he's going to get. I had no idea he read the game so well. Like Gooch, he's no passer, but I feel like I'm nitpicking.
Spector -- 6 -- He competed well, even if they came at him A LOT. I thought Spector's composure on the ball was more impressive early in the tourney. He likes to get forward in spots and can sometimes look dangerous doing it, but I can count about five times in this tourney where I think he got caught going forward and didn't get back as fast as I'd like.
Donovan -- 8.5 -- I'm legitimately a fan. Not the best pass on the second goal, but how many times did he make a simple pass to keep possession when everyone else seemed to be losing their head? When your best player is also your smartest player and your hardest worker, that's always a good thing.
Bradley -- 5.5 -- Not his best game, but we knew Spain would dominate the middle of the field. Another guy I really like because you can never fault his effort. Still think the red card was completely bogus. He would have missed the final with a yellow anyway, though.
Clark -- 5 -- One immense block. One surprisingly dynamic run through the middle of the field. But largely passed around all game. Had trouble keeping possession. Clark shows some flashes at times, but I think he's one of those odd men out if we get Jones and Edu comes back healthy.
Dempsey -- 6.5 -- Started brightly. Had a hand in both goals. Worked hard on defense in the first half. Looked totally GASSED before getting subbed in the second. 8 games is the longest he's gone between goals with the National team. You need that type of poacher.
Davies -- 6 -- Looked great for the first 25 minutes. Faded badly though. Maybe should have been subbed with Feilhaber at halftime (or maybe Jozy should have). Still a dangerous guy who I think will get better with games. Another testament to steady minutes in a minor European league.
Jozy -- 6-- Man, did he look like crap at times. But you always have to make allowances for a guy who can make one play that turns a game on its head. Jozy did that, just like so many strikers have done before. And he's only 19, even if he's going to turn me 90.
I normally don't rate subs, but I have to give a 6, even for only 30 minutes work, to Feilhaber. I've liked him in every game I've seen him. He just brings another dimension to the team when he's in. Pure class to set up the second goal, and the pass to Jozy that drew a bull#### offsides was sweet too.
Howard -- 9 -- Yeah, it's a high rating considering he didn't have any OH MY GOD saves. But he had a lot of very good saves and he decision making was excellent. I sometimes think that Howard barks a bit too much at his backline, and I liked seeing him encourage them today.
Bocanegra -- 5 -- Kind of an incomplete grade because as Steve Tasker said, Spain inexplicably did nothing down the right flank in the second half. I thought he did well early in the game making himself available to the midfielders for outlets, but eventually he just sort of hung back when they parked the bus.
Gooch -- 8.5 -- Just huge in the air. Incredibly brave and physical defending all game. I still quibble with his distribution, but he's too old to become Daniel Agger.
DeMerit -- 8 -- Almost impossible to pick between him and Gooch. This tourney was huge for him, because 2010 is the only chance at World Cup he's going to get. I had no idea he read the game so well. Like Gooch, he's no passer, but I feel like I'm nitpicking.
Spector -- 6 -- He competed well, even if they came at him A LOT. I thought Spector's composure on the ball was more impressive early in the tourney. He likes to get forward in spots and can sometimes look dangerous doing it, but I can count about five times in this tourney where I think he got caught going forward and didn't get back as fast as I'd like.
Donovan -- 8.5 -- I'm legitimately a fan. Not the best pass on the second goal, but how many times did he make a simple pass to keep possession when everyone else seemed to be losing their head? When your best player is also your smartest player and your hardest worker, that's always a good thing.
Bradley -- 5.5 -- Not his best game, but we knew Spain would dominate the middle of the field. Another guy I really like because you can never fault his effort. Still think the red card was completely bogus. He would have missed the final with a yellow anyway, though.
Clark -- 5 -- One immense block. One surprisingly dynamic run through the middle of the field. But largely passed around all game. Had trouble keeping possession. Clark shows some flashes at times, but I think he's one of those odd men out if we get Jones and Edu comes back healthy.
Dempsey -- 6.5 -- Started brightly. Had a hand in both goals. Worked hard on defense in the first half. Looked totally GASSED before getting subbed in the second. 8 games is the longest he's gone between goals with the National team. You need that type of poacher.
Davies -- 6 -- Looked great for the first 25 minutes. Faded badly though. Maybe should have been subbed with Feilhaber at halftime (or maybe Jozy should have). Still a dangerous guy who I think will get better with games. Another testament to steady minutes in a minor European league.
Jozy -- 6-- Man, did he look like crap at times. But you always have to make allowances for a guy who can make one play that turns a game on its head. Jozy did that, just like so many strikers have done before. And he's only 19, even if he's going to turn me 90.
I normally don't rate subs, but I have to give a 6, even for only 30 minutes work, to Feilhaber. I've liked him in every game I've seen him. He just brings another dimension to the team when he's in. Pure class to set up the second goal, and the pass to Jozy that drew a bull#### offsides was sweet too.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
For the Red Bulls or for the USMNT?If Dempsey's spot in the starting XI was ever in question (which it shouldn't have been IMO....Dempsey has always been a consistent player), I think he's cemented it in these last two games with two monster goals.
AcerFC
Footballguy
Left midfielder for USMNTI like Dempsey as a forward better then a midfielder and bring in Davies as a sub for Jozy. Different styles. I played stopper and I hated having to adjust to a new player being brought in after 3/4 of a game.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Scooby- great stuff as always... look forward to reading it closer when I get a second.
So I turn on FSC news Monday night to checkc their coverage of the win over Egypt... no video. It was laughable watching them give their coverage over still photos. I know it's a rights thing, but it doesn't seem right.
So I turn on FSC news Monday night to checkc their coverage of the win over Egypt... no video. It was laughable watching them give their coverage over still photos. I know it's a rights thing, but it doesn't seem right.
prefontaine
Footballguy
I don't believe we will go with a 451 and that tightens up the options for a guy like Adu on a team running a 442. Ching and DMB have nothing to do with Adu. Neither plays his position or competes for playing time with him. Right now Ching should be in and hopefully we don't need DMB or he comes back to some sort of form to where he can be a serviceable wing sub. But saying Adu should have a spot on the team ahead of either of those two guys really makes you sound like you want to bring 25 central midfielders. You have to have players that cover all the positions and situations. Whether Adu goes or not depends on his form and players like Sacha, Benny, Torres and some of the other younger middies that aren't around right now (Rogers, Holden). Right now, he probably doesn't have a spot but a lot will change over the next year.
scoobygang
Footballguy
Freddy is not in competition with Ching. They do absolutely none of the same things. Freddy is in competition with Dempsey, Feilhaber, Donovan, Torres, and possibly Klejstan and Bradley. I have no beef with Freddie Adu. He's played well in the Olympics and in the Under 21 World Cup. Aside from one half of a friendly against Spain, however, he's done nothing for the senior national team. He's an extremely limited player who can really only play as an attacking MF. That would be a nice luxury to have, but Feilhaber is just better in that spot. Torres might be too (and he at least has the promise to perhaps play on the left flank).I don't put a lot of stock in being more valuable than DMB at this point. That's kind of like being the least invasive venereal disease.
El Floppo
Footballguy
reading that comment about Boca by Scooby... seems to me he made a huge difference for the US, even if he didn't have a great game. His "not great game" was light-years ahead of Bornstein's play this tourney. All of a sudden, we weren't a complete liabilty on the left flank... plus, the MF is slowly adjusting to adding defensive coverage in teh 4-4-2... especially out wide. Harkes was dead-on in saying Clark and Bradley weren't spaced right in the middle (as was somebody in here over the last day or two... Sammy?).
prefontaine
Footballguy
Assuming everyone is healthy next year, does this seem like a reasonable roster vs the confederation cup?
Defense: Dolo and Hejduk replace Pearce and Califf
Midfield: Edu and Jones (hopefully) replace Sacha and Adu? (we need a wing in a bad way or else who replaces DMB?)
Forward: Ching replaces Casey
Defense: Dolo and Hejduk replace Pearce and Califf
Midfield: Edu and Jones (hopefully) replace Sacha and Adu? (we need a wing in a bad way or else who replaces DMB?)
Forward: Ching replaces Casey
whoknew
Footballguy
I thought yellows didn't carry over from group stage. Is that different in this tournament?
Sand
Footballguy
That's why striker is the best position to play (by far). Play like crap for 89 minutes. Make 1 brilliant move and shot and you are a hero.I'm stunned at this outcome. Wow.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
I understand this...just making the point that he's more valuable against elite competition IMHO.
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Here's a couple of good quotes from the Spanish players and media from the last few days. One guy on another board alerted me to some of them...I'd imagine a bit of it is translation error from Spanish ---> English, but they're still funny.Sergio Ramos:
Puyol:
Pique:
Capdevila (love the little jab at the end of this one):
The Z Machine
Footballguy
This was the best game I've seen the US play, possibly ever. I can't think of a single player that had a poor game. Some were mediocre, but most played very well to exceptional today.
In particular:
Howard: Ooutstanding and a total rock back there in the net. He has an authoritative bent to him, and I think that gets transferred to the defense. He marshals them well. A few outstanding saves made sealed this win.
Donovan: He played very well, running box to box, giving service, cutting off passes, dribbling and ball handling, setting up attacks, tracking back on defense, and giving the US some fire. You could see he wanted this game, and I like that.
Gooch: A great game by the big guy. He made some very timely interceptions and tackles. That backheel block on the cross was dangerous, but may have saved a goal. He did get burned by Torres once or twice, but then again, who doesn't. There could be some serious interest in the guy from mid-level La Liga teams. Great game by him.
Davies: A great game by him and may have sealed his place in the starting 11. He's got good energy and that chilena set the tone for the first 15-20 minutes, which was probably the best I've EVER seen the US play against top flight competition.
Bocanegra: I thought he played well and definitely is the best we have at the weak back left position. He's no Sergio Ramos (he he, what a terrible game he had), but he made some crucial interceptions and tackles. Nice to see him step in and mix it up.
Clark: I thought Clark had a good to very good game. He broke up a LOT of passes that Spain tried to swing through the middle of the park. Obviously that was Bradley's game plan, and I think that Clark listened to tactics and executed them well. Maybe he's feeling the pressure of Jermaine Jones on his back?
Dempsey: This is the game that we all felt he should be playing. He didn't #####-foot around with the ball, and instead ran the counter attack extremely well. He made some great passes, tracked back well, and really kept the form of the midfield. Good game.
DeMerit played well, and I think it was a true joy for Jozy to score against Spain. It was a great move of pure strength to get that position on Capdevilla? turn and shoot. The location of the shot wasn't the best, but it did go in. Things were definitely going right for him today. His touch was still horrid at times... compare him to Villa if you want to see touch.
It was a great win for the US, and I think in the top 5 ever. I'd put the win over Portugal and the win over Mexico higher since they were in the WC. But still... very very impressive.
Going forward, I think the 4-4-2 has shown to be the best formation for the US. I actually don't mind LD on the left and Dempsey on the right, having them swap from time to time GIVEN that they run with 2 holding/defensive MFs to cut off the passing lines for the opposition.
Big props to the US. I can't wait for the emails from my Spanish friends. I'll comment on Spain's side in a bit, but I have a meeting.
In particular:
Howard: Ooutstanding and a total rock back there in the net. He has an authoritative bent to him, and I think that gets transferred to the defense. He marshals them well. A few outstanding saves made sealed this win.
Donovan: He played very well, running box to box, giving service, cutting off passes, dribbling and ball handling, setting up attacks, tracking back on defense, and giving the US some fire. You could see he wanted this game, and I like that.
Gooch: A great game by the big guy. He made some very timely interceptions and tackles. That backheel block on the cross was dangerous, but may have saved a goal. He did get burned by Torres once or twice, but then again, who doesn't. There could be some serious interest in the guy from mid-level La Liga teams. Great game by him.
Davies: A great game by him and may have sealed his place in the starting 11. He's got good energy and that chilena set the tone for the first 15-20 minutes, which was probably the best I've EVER seen the US play against top flight competition.
Bocanegra: I thought he played well and definitely is the best we have at the weak back left position. He's no Sergio Ramos (he he, what a terrible game he had), but he made some crucial interceptions and tackles. Nice to see him step in and mix it up.
Clark: I thought Clark had a good to very good game. He broke up a LOT of passes that Spain tried to swing through the middle of the park. Obviously that was Bradley's game plan, and I think that Clark listened to tactics and executed them well. Maybe he's feeling the pressure of Jermaine Jones on his back?
Dempsey: This is the game that we all felt he should be playing. He didn't #####-foot around with the ball, and instead ran the counter attack extremely well. He made some great passes, tracked back well, and really kept the form of the midfield. Good game.
DeMerit played well, and I think it was a true joy for Jozy to score against Spain. It was a great move of pure strength to get that position on Capdevilla? turn and shoot. The location of the shot wasn't the best, but it did go in. Things were definitely going right for him today. His touch was still horrid at times... compare him to Villa if you want to see touch.
It was a great win for the US, and I think in the top 5 ever. I'd put the win over Portugal and the win over Mexico higher since they were in the WC. But still... very very impressive.
Going forward, I think the 4-4-2 has shown to be the best formation for the US. I actually don't mind LD on the left and Dempsey on the right, having them swap from time to time GIVEN that they run with 2 holding/defensive MFs to cut off the passing lines for the opposition.
Big props to the US. I can't wait for the emails from my Spanish friends. I'll comment on Spain's side in a bit, but I have a meeting.
scoobygang
Footballguy
I've seen both of them play "right sided midfielders" before, but that position wouldn't necessarily be a "wing". Of course, I don't think Dempsey plays a wing position either. I don't see an American player who can both: 1) beat a wing defender with speed and get to the touchline AND 2) deliver a quality cross (Robbie Rogers can do the first but not the second). Now, someone who's incredible at one of those skills might be able to get by. Theo Walcott is so fast that nobody cares that his crosses kind of suck. And Beckham's crosses are so exquisite that teams live with the fact that he's not the most dynamic guy streaking down the field.Adu clearly doesn't have the pace to streak by defenders on the outside. I'm not sure we've seen enough to know much about his crossing ability, but he didn't like the position when he played there for DC United. Another problem is that the US relies on its outside midfielders to cover for their full backs. Harkes is right in that Dempsey sometimes doesn't work quite hard enough at that. I've seen nothing from Adu that suggests he would work half as hard as Dempsey. We'll have to see with Feilhaber, but considering his greatest asset is his passing vision, you'd think his best fit is still in the middle.So I don't know what the best solution is on the wings. One advantage of Dempsey is that he can play on the left or right just like Donovan can. That allows us to switch Donovan across the field the way Man U liked to do with Ronaldo. Anything that can let us seek matchups for our best player is probably helpful. Adu is still only 20. In 2014, he'll only be 25, the same age Feilhaber will be in 2010. If Freddy can get minutes overseas (he had a decent run in early Champions League games with Benfica a few years ago) he might be able to change my mind. But Bradley sees him in practice and I just don't think he's changing any minds right now.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Was that even a foul on the red?
Sand
Footballguy
I didn't think so. In fact, I didn't think it was close to a penalty.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Benny doesn't seem to have the right attributes as scooby poins out. Adu has played there some but hasn't looked good (then again, there were times a few years ago that LD looked pretty awful on the wing as well). Torres I think has the best skillset to be a wing player. I don't mind pushing Demps up top (and I think it is a great way to transition to a bit of a 4411 when Benny comes in) but we have looked better with Davies up there pressuring. Dempsey really doesn't do that but given space he is deadly so its a great fit with him up top when the other team is tired/overcommitting to the attack.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Btw, after the discussion about Jozy not running through on the ball vs Egypt, watch him on the 2nd goal (if you can see it from behind Donovan). He actually parked (and yelled to LD) in a perfect spot and if Donovan had cut back would have had an easy pass and finish. If the two of them get on the same page, I think they can be deadly. In this case, he would have been better off crashing the net again but I think his thought process was good.
Senor Schmutzig
Footballguy
I'll be in Barcelona tomorrow! My four year old and I were watching the match today from our hotel in Lisbon. He was chanting USA-USA-USA....I don't think some of the locals (Spaniards in the hotel that were also watching it) appreciated that.Having spent a lot of time in Spain, this victory is awesome. Wish I still lived in Europe, a trip to Spain in the next few weeks would be awesome. They are fuming fo sho!
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
I noticed that, and I don't think it was a bad decision because Dempsey was on the back post. Against Egypt, no one was on the back post, which was my issue with his run.(look what happens when someone runs back post)
Sammy3469
Footballguy
I'm not Clark's biggest fan, but you have those 2 entirely too low. Their entire purpose this game was to clog the middle and force the Spanish to serve balls into the area which DeMerit and Gooch ate up. Plus Xavi was basically made a non-factor, so your CMs have to have been doing something right.I was surprised that Spain couldn't turn our defense much and get dangerous crosses into the box (maybe 3 or 4 times total) since that was what we were daring them to do. Ramos was basically invisible in attack even with Boca ceded much of the outside wing and while they tried down the left, they did it at angles that were relatively easily covered by the CMs and CBs.
Bonzai
Footballguy
Good points from you and scooby. Just trying to think of ways to get as many of those guys on the field as possible. Davies looked good today, but I'm not sold on him yet. Feilhaber really needs to be in there, but we've been running a formation with 2 defensive/holding mids so it's tough to find where he fits. He appears to be in limbo a bit. I think you're right in that Torres would probably work best over there. He's left footed as well, isn't he?
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
One thing in the back of my mind right now is that Mexico parlayed a couple good results in this tournament four years ago into a seeded position in the world cup. I think they finished 4th, but along the way they beat Brazil and played Argentina to a draw in regulation before losing on PK's. Its never easy to advance from a world cup group, but you'd always prefer to be a seeded team so you can avoid the other top 7 teams in the group stage.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
The Z Machine
Footballguy
No comments on my writeup? Damn.
El Floppo
Footballguy
you did what now?
Steve Tasker
Footballguy
Let's see.Agreed on Howard, Donovan, Gooch, Davies, Dempsey 100%
I think Demerit deserves just as much recognition as Gooch, he was a monster in the second half. I was really shocked with him, to be honest. I didn't expect that he would really make an impact with an eye towards 2010, and I had Bocanegra and Gooch all but penciled in as the CBs. But after this performance, I'm rethinking that a bit.
Bocanegra looked very rusty, but I'm not worried about him. He's a solid player - we know what we're getting with him in the back. He had a little bit of trouble with Ramos down the wing, but the US didn't allow a goal, so....
I don't think Clark did anything to cement his place in the team, but he didn't play exceptionally poorly. He made some good defensive plays in the second half after looking lost earlier on. He seems to lack a little bit of composure on the ball when compared to the likes of Donovan.
The Best
Howard - 9.0: Saved the day numerous times. No complaints.
Gooch - 8.5: Commanded the box. Spain did NOTHING through the air, and Gooch made a couple of goal-saving clearances at crucial times.
Demerit - 8.2: Not as dominant as Gooch, but gave it his all and patrolled the air. Probably solidified his spot for the Gold Cup, at least
Donovan - 8.0: Looked great. Had a hand in the goals. Controlled well, great runs...standard great play from him
Played pretty well
Dempsey - 7.3: Stopped dancing around with the ball. Fought hard, even helped back on defense, which seems like a rarity for him. I love his composure on the ball - you can tell that he's used to having the ball against top competition.
Davies - 6.9: Did exactly what was expected of him. Dogged the defense until he got clearly tired. I absolutely love his speed, it's a good compliment to Altidore's power game. He gave it his all, going up for 50/50 balls against Puyol and Pique even though he's undersized - loved that
Spector - 6.6: Didn't really see him much, but I guess that's the sign of a good defender. He didn't look exposed at all, made a few nice plays. No complaints.
Bradley - 6.4: Quieter than usual, I didn't like some of his out of position offensive runs in the first half, but it was alright in the end. His rating may be on the lower end because he was up against top talents like Fabregas and Xavi who are going to outshine him 99 times out of 100. But again, no complaints, no worries...a solid if unspectacular performance.
Ok
Bocanegra - 5.9: Spain attacked down the right flank all game. Looked noticeably rusty, but that's to be expected. Although it was a subpar performance from what I was hoping for, he WAS facing amazing competition and he didn't allow a goal.
Altidore - 5.8: Scored an amazing goal. Other than that, he didn't do as much. Still looked confused without the ball a few times, had a few giveaways. He really didn't play THAT much worse than Davies, IMO...but as the "top striker" on the USMNT, I wasn't expecting the new guy to outshine him.
Clark - 5.7: Played fine. Made a few nice defensive plays. Looks scared with the ball at times. A good stopgap who, IMO, should be relegated to the bench when Jermaine Jones arrives.
There's my thoughts.
Moe.
Footballguy
Is there going to be any apprehension on the part of B.Bradley to bring Jones into the team this "late" in the game? Clark did a good job today, but you throw a world class defensive midfielder in there and this team starts to look even more dangerous. Dunno if it would be possible to get Jones, Bradley, and Feilhaber on the field together though. I'd love to see Jones and Feilhaber paired together in a diamond midfield, but that leaves out Bradley, which I don't see happening.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
Pretty much agree with this, although I'd give Clark a slightly higher grade.
LHUCKS
Footballguy
no way
andy_b
Footballguy
I am still a bit speechless. These last two results are just mind boggling. Either one on its own is amazing but placing them back to back? Are you kidding me?
Can they possibly rub the lamp one more time and take out Brazil (assuming they take care of South Africa)???
There is a poll running on ESPN asking people how much they cared about this win. An incredible 83% of the votes (over 50,000) answered "a lot".
This win is going to garner a lot of attention and likely more eye balls on the US in the finals any time since the last World Cup. Hopefully they have one more fight left in them.
Can they possibly rub the lamp one more time and take out Brazil (assuming they take care of South Africa)???
There is a poll running on ESPN asking people how much they cared about this win. An incredible 83% of the votes (over 50,000) answered "a lot".
This win is going to garner a lot of attention and likely more eye balls on the US in the finals any time since the last World Cup. Hopefully they have one more fight left in them.
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El Floppo
Footballguy
Jones will have to earn his way on to the team at this point- if he doens't show it in practice, I don't see Bradley just handing him the job. But it sounds like this shouldn't be a problem.And I could see the US going to back to a 4-5-1 with Jones, Bradley and Feilhaber in the middle, LD and Dempsey out wide and pushing forward a ton, and Jozy alone up front. The Jozy alone thing hasn't looked too great though- pretty clear that's what Ching brings to the table- but if they can get it so that the strong-side flanking player is always pushed into attack to support Jozy, along with Feilhaber (who would be the attacking central MF, IMO), then we've got something. Pretty sure Bradley's figured that out and it just hasn't worked yet.
unreal. people in here wanted to fire Bradley just a few days ago.
what an incredible turnaround. hope this is a sign of more great things to come.
agree with everyone here that the red on Bradley was an atrocious call. shouldn't have even been a foul, IMO.
what an incredible turnaround. hope this is a sign of more great things to come.
agree with everyone here that the red on Bradley was an atrocious call. shouldn't have even been a foul, IMO.
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Sammy3469
Footballguy
My impression is that a 4-5-1 just doesn't work real well for extended periods with our personal since Donovan, Bradley, and to a lesser extent Dempsey all have a tendency to fall back and provide more defensive cover than is typically expected for a 4-5-1 to work leaving the forward extremely isolated. It also doesn't help that Donovan has a tendency to want to pass the ball into the goal so your left with only 2 guys (the forward and Dempsey) that would shoot on a consistent basis. Unless you get a turnover in the opponents half of the field (which is what happened on our second goal with Dempsey breaking up a Spanish pass), you basically end up short one guy making a run to play off of Donovan in this setup since our MFs tend to play deep especially against good teams.
AcerFC
Footballguy
No Frankie Hejduk? I think he has some good games left in him.Top 20
DonovanHowardDempseyBradleyGoochAltidoreFeilhaberBocaEduSpectorDeMeritCherundoloTorresDaviesCarkAduChingMastroeniBornsteinBeasley
The Z Machine
Footballguy
DMB is done. LD can supplant him on the left side just fine. He may not even get called up for the WC if he doesn't turn things around.
Also, is it normal for Bocanegra to wear the captain's armband? I thought that LD usually wore it.
Also, is it normal for Bocanegra to wear the captain's armband? I thought that LD usually wore it.
Bocanegra's been the captain for about two years.
Texas Football
Footballguy
Bocanegra has been captain for a while. Landon would be vice-captain.What really scares me is injuries between now and the Cup. Is there anyone that can take Landons spot if he goes down? As scary as it is, that might be Adu's spot. Torres would get the first shot, but he kinda scares me. Landon is a player that must be healthy next year.As awesome as the last two results are we can't dismiss the total crap that was the first two games. No DMB is great, but it took coach Bradley a handfull of suck to make the change. I'm not sold on him keeping the job, but he will have it for another year at least and then I can revisit.I honestly hope we get Brazil in the finals to see what we can do differently. Beating South Africa and taking the title would be nice, but I want to see the rematch.Speaking of Brazil, is it coaching or talent that stops us from having players like Maicon. I'm an Inter fanboy so I have manlove for the guy, but I would love to see real skilled wingers on the US squad. Even if it is just one side. I know Maicon is top 1-3 in the world in his position, but I'm talking more in general about style.ETA: Christo addressed the captain deal.
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The Z Machine
Footballguy
Huh. I guess Boca has been hurt so much that I haven't seen him with the armband. Or maybe I haven't been paying attention.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Can't say I was hurt at all to see Ramos as the guy that gave up the final goal today.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
The best view is from behind the net at the end, where you can see the priceless look on Sergio Ramos' face when he realizes he is the goat. One thing that I don't understand, why does L. Donovan refuse to shoot on goal in these situations? He got more than a bit lucky on this play and I think there would me more discussion of his poor decision making if Ramos hadn't gifted this one to us.