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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

I know I've banged this drum about a billion times, but these international friendlies are a waste of time. Am I betting them, well, of course, but hardly anyone really fields their best teams.

You'd think a match like the Czech Republic/Slovakia would bring out the best in both sides, but nope, most of the stars are sitting this one out. This is a hugely contested rivalry, and you'd think it would bring out a huge patriotic spirit for the major players. nope.

I was looking forward to the Netherlands/Germany match later, but will pass. You could field a world class all star team with the players who will not be suiting up for this one on both sides.

This will be the 500th international match for Turkey and they are planning a huge celebration, with past stars, coaches, etc... to be in the works. You'd think this would bring out the best Turkish players to get a result, but instead, squabbling is leading to most of their best players not playing. Why bother if you ask me.

Hopefully Gabon can lay the wood to Portugal today.

 
Odd game. Russia did create more quality chances by a wide margin. However, both goals did not have that quality. Yet, the US goals were nearly identical and technically top notch.

 
'boubucarow said:
Odd game. Russia did create more quality chances by a wide margin. However, both goals did not have that quality. Yet, the US goals were nearly identical and technically top notch.
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The first goal was beautiful by the US but the second was not going in with out the deflection I don't think. The first goal for Russia was clinical. Not their fault it started with a gift.
 
And for those who were wondering, I think Russia started 9 of the 11 in their typical World Cup qualifying XI. The goalie (who had no chance on both goals) and right winger (who scored) were the only non-regulars.

 
I think what bother me the most today was the large amount of giveaways in their own half, many just poor passes and not caused by over pressure.

 
'boubucarow said:
And for those who were wondering, I think Russia started 9 of the 11 in their typical World Cup qualifying XI. The goalie (who had no chance on both goals) and right winger (who scored) were the only non-regulars.
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Yeah both teams started strong sides. The US side will probably be 75% or more of who will start against Honduras. I still think it is strange the US are not planning any January friendlies but Klinsmann must have a good reason.
 
We didn't play nearly as bad as the announcers were saying. Russia's first goal was a gimmie from a bonehead play. Tie is deserved just fine.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
'boubucarow said:
Odd game. Russia did create more quality chances by a wide margin. However, both goals did not have that quality. Yet, the US goals were nearly identical and technically top notch.
Click to expand...
The first goal was beautiful by the US but the second was not going in with out the deflection I don't think. The first goal for Russia was clinical. Not their fault it started with a gift.
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Yeah, not sure about Diskerud's shot on its direction pre-deflection, you may be correct. It isn't Russia's fault they got a gift or the PK, it just didn't display the level of creative quality they exhibited all match. They didn't get the goals they "deserved" but got two anyways.
 
'boubucarow said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'boubucarow said:
Odd game. Russia did create more quality chances by a wide margin. However, both goals did not have that quality. Yet, the US goals were nearly identical and technically top notch.
Click to expand...
The first goal was beautiful by the US but the second was not going in with out the deflection I don't think. The first goal for Russia was clinical. Not their fault it started with a gift.
Click to expand...
Yeah, not sure about Diskerud's shot on its direction pre-deflection, you may be correct. It isn't Russia's fault they got a gift or the PK, it just didn't display the level of creative quality they exhibited all match. They didn't get the goals they "deserved" but got two anyways.
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Agreed. They shredded the US with quality all day and like you said, both their goals were kind of gifts by the US. The US made two mistakes on the second. Fell asleep on free kick and then giving the pK when Howard may have smothered that ball which was getting caught up in the Rusdian players feet.
 
-Agudelo played very well after entering in the 2nd half including setting up Bradley's goal with strong target plays and showing nice quality out wide.

-Jones looked very dangerous sprinting out on attack but the rocks he has for feet when he is near the box are tough to watch.

-Howard was tremendous.

-The defense was horrific but keep in mind there was no Boca (lost early) or Dolo. Of course, they are old. Discouraging.

-The US created a number of chances against a very solid Russia defense who just don't concede. Encouraging.

-I am pretty convinced that this teams needs a 4-2-3-1 lineup with two deeper central midfielders and Bradley given the freedom to join the attack. Dempsey would be just fine behind the striker.

 
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There is an interesting dichotomy with the US team at this period of time. Klinsmann is trying to introduce a more possession based team and yet the US still looks like a team that might benefit offensively from a more direct style as well.

I am happy to see the US play possession at home but I would not be against the team becoming much more direct in their style away from home. At Jamaica especially because the quagmire of a field does not lend itself to a possession game all that well.

 
'boubucarow said:
-Agudelo played very well after entering in the 2nd half including setting up Bradley's goal with strong target plays and showing nice quality out wide.-Jones looked very dangerous sprinting out on attack but the rocks he has for feet when he is near the box are tough to watch.-Howard was tremendous.-The defense was horrific but keep in mind there was no Boca (lost early) or Dolo. Of course, they are old. Discouraging.-The US created a number of chances against a very solid Russia defense who just don't concede. Encouraging.-I am pretty convinced that this teams needs a 4-2-3-1 lineup with two deeper central midfielders and Bradley given the freedom to join the attack. Dempsey would be just fine behind the striker.
Click to expand...
what did you think of Gomez today? I thought he was involved very little in the game. Although I am biased in that I really would like to see Johnson and Altidore start and Gomez come in off the bench. I guess one of the issues with starting both Jozy and Johnson is that you run the risk that one or both will not be all that active where as Gomez works his butt off every game.
 
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Klinsman really needs to stop trying to play all 3 of Williams Jones and Bradley. Obviously Bradley is a must start, but those other two should really be competing for one position.

Pretty decent debut by Gatt, and really nice technical layoffs by Aguadelo and Boyd. And just a world class strike by Bradley. Jozy worked hard, but he might just be pressing too hard at this point.

As for the defense, Cameron is about the only one that looked pretty good out there. Chandler showed the ability to provide width and nice pace, but he didn't track back as well as I'd have liked. I think Cherundolo is still the best option there, but he might not be in 2014. Even in his brief stint, Boca looked too slow. And Goodson is going to be at best a below average option. The defense still needs a ton of work between now and the start of the hex.

MOTM - easily Tim Howard.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
'boubucarow said:
-Agudelo played very well after entering in the 2nd half including setting up Bradley's goal with strong target plays and showing nice quality out wide.-Jones looked very dangerous sprinting out on attack but the rocks he has for feet when he is near the box are tough to watch.-Howard was tremendous.-The defense was horrific but keep in mind there was no Boca (lost early) or Dolo. Of course, they are old. Discouraging.-The US created a number of chances against a very solid Russia defense who just don't concede. Encouraging.-I am pretty convinced that this teams needs a 4-2-3-1 lineup with two deeper central midfielders and Bradley given the freedom to join the attack. Dempsey would be just fine behind the striker.
Click to expand...
what did you think of Gomez today? I thought he was involved very little in the game. Although I am biased in that I really would like to see Johnson and Altidore start and Gomez come in off the bench. I guess one of the issues with starting both Jozy and Johnson is that you run the risk that one or both will not be all that active where as Gomez works his butt off every game.
Click to expand...
Early the ball seemed to focus down the right side with Gatt getting a lot of looks and Johnson flashed when the ball was on the left. When they switched Gomez to the right he was more involved but I noticed as much rough touch from him as anything of quality. Sacha was oddly much more of a focus when he replaced him.
 
'NewlyRetired said:
There is an interesting dichotomy with the US team at this period of time. Klinsmann is trying to introduce a more possession based team and yet the US still looks like a team that might benefit offensively from a more direct style as well.I am happy to see the US play possession at home but I would not be against the team becoming much more direct in their style away from home. At Jamaica especially because the quagmire of a field does not lend itself to a possession game all that well.
Click to expand...
I think as long as the CONCACAF pitches can be as horrible as they were in Jamacia and Trinadad, the US will always need to keep the option of a direct attack.
 
'dparker713 said:
Pretty decent debut by Gatt, and really nice technical layoffs by Aguadelo and Boyd. The defense still needs a ton of work between now and the start of the hex.
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are you sure that Boyd got the second layoff? I could not tell live or if on the replay if he got it or was a poor clearance by defender.As for your second point, it is not only true, it is scary to think this might be the last game before the hex starts giving them no time to improve.
 
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I cant keep up with this thread. Why was the game played at 10am

ETA:It was a home game right

 
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'NewlyRetired said:
'The Kansas Comet said:
'Good said:
That Ibrahimovic goal was ####### amazing.

ETA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQhuE3b_GBU&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
:jawdrop: What instincts and execution
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Add to that athleticism, grace and power. Good lord, that was spectacular.
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The only thing missing was the look of complete contempt for all of us who are not Ibra. I love that guy. Right up there with Messi and Ronaldo among my absolute favorite players to watch.
 
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'The Kansas Comet said:
'Good said:
That Ibrahimovic goal was ####### amazing.

ETA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQhuE3b_GBU&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
:jawdrop: What instincts and execution
Click to expand...
Add to that athleticism, grace and power. Good lord, that was spectacular.
Click to expand...
The only thing missing was the look of complete contempt for all of us who are not Ibra. I love that guy. Right up there with Messi and Ronaldo among my absolute favorite players to watch.
Click to expand...
I can't stop watching it. It's entrancing.The way he hits the brakes and starts backpedaling as he sees Hart coming out to head it. The acceleration back to the ball. The height! Look how ####### high off the ground it is when he volleys it. Just sublime.

 
'Soulfly3 said:
'jonessed said:
'Steve Tasker said:
'Soulfly3 said:
messi, benzema,ronaldo, benzema, aguero, rvp, ibrahimovic, cavani, falcao, jovetic, neymar, balotelli, suarez,

did that off the top of my head... i imagine rooney is somewhere in the 15-20 range
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Are we talking strikers who you'd want for 1 must-win game, or strikers who you'd want if you were building a team from scratch? I could see Balotelli making the cut in a one-game situation, but I really don't think I'd take Balotelli over Rooney if I were building a team from scratch.I don't really have any comments on the rest, though I can't honestly say I've seen Jovetic enough to have an opinion.
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Some of those are just absurd. There's no way any sane person would take Ibra (at his current age), Balotelli, or Suarez (really?) over Rooney. I don't like Rooney, but he does so much more than just score goals (and he does score a lot of them). He's a workhorse and that's a rare attribute for a striker. I swear he could line up as a fullback and excel.I don't think Jovetic or either Benzema makes the cut either, but you could certainly make an arugment.
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I'm speaking at this moment in time in terms of pure on field ability.Ibrahimovic in the BEST pure striker in the world. Yes, better than Messi and Ronaldo... Both of which are better players, but when it comes to pure finishing, Ibra is top class, 100%, #1.

In terms of Balotelli, while the attitude stinks... He is a disgustingly good striker. Has won it ALL with his club, and unlike Rooney, has performed on the BIG stage with Italy... Just think back to the Euro's. Balotelli is a big game player.

In the end, it's all subjective... But when I see Rooney, my jaw doesn't drop nearly as much as it should for a player of his hype. The guy can score some ridiculous goals, and can show a good workrate... But pin him up against organized defense, and he becomes invisible far too often.
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:excited: When you know your ####... you know your ####.

 
'Tremendous Upside said:
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'NewlyRetired said:
'The Kansas Comet said:
'Good said:
That Ibrahimovic goal was ####### amazing.

ETA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQhuE3b_GBU&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
:jawdrop: What instincts and execution
Click to expand...
Add to that athleticism, grace and power. Good lord, that was spectacular.
Click to expand...
The only thing missing was the look of complete contempt for all of us who are not Ibra. I love that guy. Right up there with Messi and Ronaldo among my absolute favorite players to watch.
Click to expand...
I can't stop watching it. It's entrancing.The way he hits the brakes and starts backpedaling as he sees Hart coming out to head it. The acceleration back to the ball. The height! Look how ####### high off the ground it is when he volleys it. Just sublime.
Click to expand...
And watching all the smug arrogant English fans reaction behind the goal just tops it all off. :) This clip will go right into my hall of fame English moments along with this fantastic piss taker (is it me or is this a very young Ian Darke on the call from 1992)?

 
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