***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[The Z Machine]

One of Qatar and Bahrain will also advance.

Interesting sitting here half a world away watching a ticker and the World Cup fate of countries.Bahrain hammering Indonesia 9-0 and Iran beating Qatar 2-1 putting Bahrain through and Qatar out.

Qatar scoring to equalize in the 86th putting then trough and Bahrain out.

Bahrain making it 10-0 in stoppage time.

Bahrain match over, and Qatar into stoppage time. Bahrain holding their breath and hoping.

Qatar draw 2-2 with Iran to advance.

So Qatar is out?

see bold. Qatar advances

Ah. Got it.Too bad. I want Qatar to fail miserably.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Meola, Reyna, Armstrong and DiCicco were elected to the US Hall of Fame today. Induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the US Brazil game this summer.

There were people who did not vote for Reyna. Thought he would have been 100%. Got 96%. Meola with 90%.

Need 66% to be elected. Joe Max and Etch both were in high 50's.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl)

2/29/12 1:07 PM

Hearing USMNT going 4-2-3-1 with Altidore as a lone forward (i.e., no Buddle). Official lineup expected around 1:45 pm ET.

 

[NewlyRetired]

U.S. SOCCER (@ussoccer)

2/29/12 1:36 PM

The #USMNT starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra ©, Johnson; Bradley, Edu; Williams, Dempsey, Shea; Altidore

 

[NewlyRetired]

U.S. SOCCER (@ussoccer)2/29/12 1:36 PMThe #USMNT starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra ©, Johnson; Bradley, Edu; Williams, Dempsey, Shea; Altidore

Williams has not yet impressed me. This is an important game for him. In this formation, Holden would be perfect in that slot and I would even prefer Johnson over Williams. Hopefully he can find his passing to be more accurate today.

 

[scoobygang]

U.S. SOCCER (@ussoccer)2/29/12 1:36 PMThe #USMNT starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra ©, Johnson; Bradley, Edu; Williams, Dempsey, Shea; Altidore

I wonder whether Deuce or Williams will be central behind Jozy. Williams has been wasted on the wing, but getting Deuce closer to the goal has been the best tactical adjustment JK has made.

 

[NewlyRetired]

U.S. SOCCER (@ussoccer)2/29/12 1:36 PMThe #USMNT starting XI: Howard; Cherundolo, Goodson, Bocanegra ©, Johnson; Bradley, Edu; Williams, Dempsey, Shea; Altidore

I wonder whether Deuce or Williams will be central behind Jozy. Williams has been wasted on the wing, but getting Deuce closer to the goal has been the best tactical adjustment JK has made.

I don't know for sure but I think it is going to be Dempsey who will be central. The way US Soccer listed it, you can see the formation and where each player is lining up.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Not a bad first half for the US.

I thought they looked better offensively than defensively where the over the top pass seems to be catching them. Luckily the timing has been off, else one of those 4 offside penalty's for Italy would have been a likely goal.

Bradley looks extremely sharp.

Fabian looks decent at left back and actually much more comfortable than Chandler did back there.

 

[B Maverick]

not a great one either. But I might be overly critical.

We do not play quick enough at the top of the box to get someone in, our first touch (altidore and Shea) when making a move to goal is horrible, our darting runs is noexistant. If it wasnt for Howard and some offside calls, its 3-0 Italy.

We need a striker, bad. A pure turn and score a goal type. Even a poacher (Demps and Landon can provide service) would do. Ruud, Klose, Chicharito... doesnt have to be a Messi or Rooney or Van Persie type. But we need a goal scorer to compliment Dempsey and LD.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Well done Jozy! And nice finish by Duece.

 

[B Maverick]

and no sooner do I post then.............

Goal! Italy 0, USA 1. Clint Dempsey (USA) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jozy Altidore.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

USA! USA!

 

[jonessed]

That was a pretty decent rugby tackle.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Boyd looks very mobile. What a way to break your cherry.

 

[jonessed]

The US midfield needs to press higher up or they are going to get scored on here.

----------

The US needs some kind of speed up front for their counter-attacks (which they end up doing a lot of). Jozy did really well holding the ball up but the midfield just kind of creeps up to him.

The play was definitely a step up. Hopefully it continues to get better as they settle into a new identity with Klinsmann.

 

[wadegarrett]

 

[NewlyRetired]

Bradley was my player of the game. He was so calm and strong on the ball all day.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

 

[Sinn Fein]

Watch the first half at work, get called into a meeting and miss the entire 2nd half.

Great result!

 

[jonessed]

Bradley was my player of the game. He was so calm and strong on the ball all day.

He's not a great technical player, but he makes good decisions and does well with tempo. He was really on today.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I don't know for sure, but I think this might be the first time in history the US has ever won 2 straight games in Europe.

Looking forward to the US Mexico game tonight.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Did Huntelaar lose a tooth on that goal? Kinda looked like it as he was coming off. Robben is still The Man. Great goal.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I really like Ian Darke, in fact I think he is the best play by play guy the US has ever had, but I think he fell flat on his face today.

Claiming this was the biggest win in US history and that the players were going to celebrate like they won the World Cup only made him look foolish when the game ended and the US calmly shook Italy's hands.

 

[scoobygang]

Bradley was my player of the game. He was so calm and strong on the ball all day.

That was as well as a holding midfielder can play. He lacks passing range, but his short range distribution is actually excellent. He makes good quick decisions under pressure. His motor is top class, he was all over the field. The best player on the field for either team.Jozy had an interesting game. I thought his back to the goal game looked vastly improved early, then he had a real bad 10-15 minute spell, and then the lay off on the goal, which was pretty much vintage two striker stuff. He continued his good hold up play afterwards. AZ has been good for him.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ironically left back was the least of the US problems today. Both Johnson and Spector looked competent out there.

 

[The Z Machine]

Kinda pissed I missed the game today.

But I'm about to buy (2) tickets to the USA/Brazil game, which will include food and ground transportation from BMore to FedEx. I saw a flyer at a pub I went to last night randomly. I got the last two tickets.

 

[B Maverick]

USA USA USA!!!

Great win.

How about the England Netherlands game though? England scores two late only to lose in the 92nd? DAMN

 

[NewlyRetired]

Kinda pissed I missed the game today.

Here let me sum it up for you. The US did not play as well as Spain does. There, it's like you watched the whole game Might be worth checking out ESPN Classic tonight, they might rerun the game.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

This performance is up there with the best performances since I've been following - 18 years. Not quite sure where to slot it in since it's a friendly, but it's also a true away win at a top power for the first time:

USA 2-0 Mexico (WC02 - bragging rights forever)

USA 2-0 Spain (Confed Cup 2009 - ending Spain's multi-year unbeaten run)

USA 0-1 Germany (WC02 - watch the highlights again, amazing)

USA 3-2 Portugal (WC02)

USA 1-0 Brazil (98 Gold Cup)

USA 2-1 Columbia (94WC)

Argentina 0-3 USA (95 Copa)

Italy 0-1 USA (friendly)

USA 2-0 Mexico (WCQ 2001)

USA 3-0 Egypt (to qualify for knockout stages of 2009 Confed Cup)

 

[Christo]

Kinda pissed I missed the game today.But I'm about to buy (2) tickets to the USA/Brazil game, which will include food and ground transportation from BMore to FedEx. I saw a flyer at a pub I went to last night randomly. I got the last two tickets.

I just watched it on ESPN3.Deuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111

 

[NewlyRetired]

This performance is up there with the best performances since I've been following - 16 years.USA 2-1 Columbia (98WC)

You must have been watching longer than 16 years as this game was in WC 1994. 1998 WC was a disaster for the US. If you have been watching since 1994, you are missing the 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America in your list which was significantly bigger than this meaningless friendly against a semi full strength side.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Of the 8 countries that have won the WC, France is now the only country the US has not beat.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You must have been watching longer than 16 years as this game was in WC 1994. 1998 WC was a disaster for the US. If you have been watching since 1994, you are missing the 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America in your list which was significantly bigger than this meaningless friendly against a semi full strength side.

Yep... messed up the date. And just plain forgot about the 3-0 win vs Argentina. Though IIRC Arg were already through to the next round and used a second choice lineup.

 

[DiStefano]

Once again, Messi showed why he is the best player in the world. A couple of lapses by Switzerland, and he was there with two perfectly placed shots. He added a penalty for the hat-trick.

 

[NewlyRetired]

You must have been watching longer than 16 years as this game was in WC 1994. 1998 WC was a disaster for the US. If you have been watching since 1994, you are missing the 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America in your list which was significantly bigger than this meaningless friendly against a semi full strength side.

Yep... messed up the date. And just plain forgot about the 3-0 win vs Argentina. Though IIRC they were already through to the next round and did have a second choice lineup.

your memory is good. That is correct about Argie mistakenly putting out a weak lineup which killed their tournament. It was a must win for the US, as a draw may have seen them go home (would have come down to tie breakers).Turn out to be a huge loss for Argie in the end though because of instead of coasting into the quarters as the group winner, the US leap frogged them and unexpectedly won the group which forced Argie to play Brazil in the quarter finals instead of Mexico. US beat Mexico on PK's and Brazil beat Argie on PK's

 

[NewlyRetired]

The Pacific Northwest shows no signs of slowing down.

Portland added over 1500 seats to their capacity and as of this afternoon, only a few obstructed view seats remain for the entire 2012 season, as they look to sell out the entire season again.

Seattle also opened up more seats for the 3rd straight year, I think opening around 2500 seats to add to the capacity this season. They should come close to averaging 40k again.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You must have been watching longer than 16 years as this game was in WC 1994. 1998 WC was a disaster for the US. If you have been watching since 1994, you are missing the 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America in your list which was significantly bigger than this meaningless friendly against a semi full strength side.

Yep... messed up the date. And just plain forgot about the 3-0 win vs Argentina. Though IIRC they were already through to the next round and did have a second choice lineup.

your memory is good. That is correct about Argie mistakenly putting out a weak lineup which killed their tournament. It was a must win for the US, as a draw may have seen them go home (would have come down to tie breakers).Turn out to be a huge loss for Argie in the end though because of instead of coasting into the quarters as the group winner, the US leap frogged them and unexpectedly won the group which forced Argie to play Brazil in the quarter finals instead of Mexico. US beat Mexico on PK's and Brazil beat Argie on PK's

Funny what you remember once you start... I was visiting Boston during this tournament and didn't actually see any of it. But I remember reading about the win, and how Argentina was subbing in the heavy hitters at the half to try and avoid Brazil. Wouldn't have been able to recall any of it until you reminded me of 3-0 and I started thinking. Looking it up: Klopas, Lalas and Wynalda.

 

[NewlyRetired]

You must have been watching longer than 16 years as this game was in WC 1994. 1998 WC was a disaster for the US.

If you have been watching since 1994, you are missing the 3-0 win over Argentina in the 1995 Copa America in your list which was significantly bigger than this meaningless friendly against a semi full strength side.

Yep... messed up the date. And just plain forgot about the 3-0 win vs Argentina. Though IIRC they were already through to the next round and did have a second choice lineup.

your memory is good. That is correct about Argie mistakenly putting out a weak lineup which killed their tournament. It was a must win for the US, as a draw may have seen them go home (would have come down to tie breakers).Turn out to be a huge loss for Argie in the end though because of instead of coasting into the quarters as the group winner, the US leap frogged them and unexpectedly won the group which forced Argie to play Brazil in the quarter finals instead of Mexico. US beat Mexico on PK's and Brazil beat Argie on PK's

Funny what you remember once you start... I was visiting Boston during this tournament and didn't actually see any of it. But I remember reading about the win, and how Argentina was subbing in the heavy hitters at the half to try and avoid Brazil. Wouldn't have been able to recall any of it until you reminded me of 3-0 and I started thinking. Looking it up: Klopas, Lalas and Wynalda.

As I get older my memory gets worse but I don't think anyone in the US saw that game as I don't think it was telecast but my memory could be fuzzy. I know I found out the result on rec.sport.soccer back on the old list servers at the time.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Bradley was my player of the game. He was so calm and strong on the ball all day.

As always...guy is nails.

 

[Steve Tasker]

This performance is up there with the best performances since I've been following - 18 years. Not quite sure where to slot it in since it's a friendly, but it's also a true away win at a top power for the first time:USA 2-0 Mexico (WC02 - bragging rights forever)USA 2-0 Spain (Confed Cup 2009 - ending Spain's multi-year unbeaten run)USA 0-1 Germany (WC02 - watch the highlights again, amazing)USA 3-2 Portugal (WC02)USA 1-0 Brazil (98 Gold Cup)USA 2-1 Columbia (94WC)Argentina 0-3 USA (95 Copa)Italy 0-1 USA (friendly)USA 2-0 Mexico (WCQ 2001)USA 3-0 Egypt (to qualify for knockout stages of 2009 Confed Cup)

I have a soft spot for the 2007 Gold Cup win over Mexico, too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt)

2/29/12 9:20 PM

Tonight's U-23 #USMNT lineup v. Mexico: Hamid; Sarkodie, Opara ©, Kitchen, Valentin; Morales, Diskerud, Corona; Adu, Agudelo, Gyau

 

[The Z Machine]

Once again, Messi showed why he is the best player in the world. A couple of lapses by Switzerland, and he was there with two perfectly placed shots. He added a penalty for the hat-trick.

It was a friendly. We'll see if he can do it a real tournament.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't want to downplay a win over Italy on the road, but was anyone else not really surprised about the result today? I certainly wouldn't have predicted a win, but I thought a draw was very possible, perhaps even likely. There were a lot of big names missing from this Italian lineup - Aquilani, Pepe, Rossi, Gilardino, Balotelli, etc. - and let's not forget that this is a team that finished dead last in its group in the 2010 cup behind ####### New Zealand.

Maybe this is the usual case of me being negative toward my favorite teams and failing to see the positives (which isn't uncommon ), but I really think that Italy are vastly overrated at #8 in the most recent FIFA rankings.

Still a historic win for the US, no doubt, but in my mind it really pales in comparison (in terms of how uplifting/exciting) to some of the results over the past few years - Spain win, England draw, Algeria win, to name a few. (ETA) This is probably just a consequence of it being a meaningless friendly, though.

 

[Steve Tasker]

And also, was anyone else really unimpressed with Shea today?

 

[DiStefano]

Kinda pissed I missed the game today.But I'm about to buy (2) tickets to the USA/Brazil game, which will include food and ground transportation from BMore to FedEx. I saw a flyer at a pub I went to last night randomly. I got the last two tickets.

They are only friendlies, so what do you care?

 

[The Gator]

And also, was anyone else really unimpressed with Shea today?

very unimpressed

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt)2/29/12 9:20 PMTonight's U-23 #USMNT lineup v. Mexico: Hamid; Sarkodie, Opara ©, Kitchen, Valentin; Morales, Diskerud, Corona; Adu, Agudelo, Gyau

No Okugo?

 

[NewlyRetired]

And also, was anyone else really unimpressed with Shea today?

very unimpressed

He got into a funk in the second half of the last MLS season and has not pulled out of it. He seems to lack a certain joy and abandon he used to play with. Perhaps it is a loss of confidence. I can't find the quote but Klinsmann had some interesting things to say about Shea after the game today, all positive as Klinsmann is used to doing but even within the positives it was clear that Shea has a long way to go.

 

[NewlyRetired]

U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt)2/29/12 9:20 PMTonight's U-23 #USMNT lineup v. Mexico: Hamid; Sarkodie, Opara ©, Kitchen, Valentin; Morales, Diskerud, Corona; Adu, Agudelo, Gyau

No Okugo?

I don't know much about Morales. Everyone else I am very familiar with. This squad is missing Shea, Boyd, Chandler, Williams and Jozy, all of whom are age eligible to play I believe.

 

[Steve Tasker]

U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt)2/29/12 9:20 PMTonight's U-23 #USMNT lineup v. Mexico: Hamid; Sarkodie, Opara ©, Kitchen, Valentin; Morales, Diskerud, Corona; Adu, Agudelo, Gyau

No Okugo?

I don't know much about Morales. Everyone else I am very familiar with. This squad is missing Shea, Boyd, Chandler, Williams and Jozy, all of whom are age eligible to play I believe.

Hard to believe that after all these years, Adu is still only 22 years old.