***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[NewlyRetired]

Jones already had two cards in the previous round (against Jamaica and A&B) - so he is clean for now

Ok that is what I thought. They cleared after the previous round if memory serves.

 

[Eephus]

So, in the post-mortem of the game - it was a good result - but I wonder what it really tells us.

For the most part Mexico outplayed the US - better ball control and better scoring opportunities. The US was very fortunate to walk away with a point from the non-call on the penalty (I don't think the Bradley push warranted a penalty) and from Mexico's inability to finish. The US Defense did a great job in thwarting many attempts but some were just bad execution from Mexico.

The first response will probably be something along the lines of how depleted the team was due to injury - but who was out that would have played better than someone on the field last night? Fabian Johnson comes to mind at LB - but to DMB's credit, he gutted out a solid game last night. Who else could have helped changed the flow of the game - allowing the US more ball control and more scoring opportunities?

I think Donovan for Zusi and Jones for Edu would have made a world of difference. Donovan is probably our best player on the counter-attack. LD will be back in the mix and ready to go this summer.

Agreed on Donovan. I am not a big Jones fan so I could take him or leave him. As much as DMB was a warrior last night, you also have to figure that Fab would be an upgrade as well.

I think he can be disruptive in the midfield - but almost certainly would have picked up his second yellow last night.

Did Jones get a yellow in the Honduras or CR game? I know he should have in CR for that bonehead play but the Fifa match reports don't show any. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258372/match=300221995/report.html

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258372/match=300221989/report.html

I think we still have everyone available for the Jamaica game right?

No - I guess I just assumed Jones was sitting on a YC. Seems like I saw him get one - but I guess not.

Bradley, Dempsey, Johnson, Zusi, Edu and now Besler, Davis and Beasley are sitting on one yellow.

Jones was born sitting on a yellow card.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I have said this before but it continues to be true. In the past qualifier cycles the US has been on the business end of some horrendous calls.

This appears to have flipped this cycle.

 

[ffldrew]

The US Mexico game drew an enormous 1.6 last night in the overnights. The twitter folks expect this to be the highest rated and most watched qualifier ever on ESPN when the final numbers come in. The highest rated games before this were US Jam in 1997 and US Mexico in 2009 which came in at a final rating of .7. This game was also on Unimas at the same time which likely drew even better numbers. This is likely going to be the most watched soccer game (league or national team game) ever for a non WC finals game. Great to see so many people starting to watch qualifiers. With the 5 games in close proximity this summer, they have a nice chance to build a solid consistent following.

I think the snow game helped a lot - it was such a story even on regular news for a couple of days(with the protest story carrying it further) - the positive result was built up that the USMNT were warriors and then the word got out on the Azteca match and how important it could be. Looks like they will need some epic conditions in June.

 

[NewlyRetired]

So, in the post-mortem of the game - it was a good result - but I wonder what it really tells us.

For the most part Mexico outplayed the US - better ball control and better scoring opportunities. The US was very fortunate to walk away with a point from the non-call on the penalty (I don't think the Bradley push warranted a penalty) and from Mexico's inability to finish. The US Defense did a great job in thwarting many attempts but some were just bad execution from Mexico.

The first response will probably be something along the lines of how depleted the team was due to injury - but who was out that would have played better than someone on the field last night? Fabian Johnson comes to mind at LB - but to DMB's credit, he gutted out a solid game last night. Who else could have helped changed the flow of the game - allowing the US more ball control and more scoring opportunities?

I think Donovan for Zusi and Jones for Edu would have made a world of difference. Donovan is probably our best player on the counter-attack. LD will be back in the mix and ready to go this summer.

Agreed on Donovan. I am not a big Jones fan so I could take him or leave him. As much as DMB was a warrior last night, you also have to figure that Fab would be an upgrade as well.

I think he can be disruptive in the midfield - but almost certainly would have picked up his second yellow last night.

Did Jones get a yellow in the Honduras or CR game? I know he should have in CR for that bonehead play but the Fifa match reports don't show any. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258372/match=300221995/report.html

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/nccamerica/matches/round=258372/match=300221989/report.html

I think we still have everyone available for the Jamaica game right?

No - I guess I just assumed Jones was sitting on a YC. Seems like I saw him get one - but I guess not.

Bradley, Dempsey, Johnson, Zusi, Edu and now Besler, Davis and Beasley are sitting on one yellow.

Jones was born sitting on a yellow card.

This list looks daunting but not quite as bad as at first glance. If most of the players return this summer, I don't think Davis or DMB will be on team and Zusi and Besler roles are likely to diminish significantly.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Jones already had two cards in the previous round (against Jamaica and A&B) - so he is clean for now

Ok that is what I thought. They cleared after the previous round if memory serves.

not exactly - he already sat out his one-game - Guatemala.If you were sitting on one card at the end of the last round - it carried over into this round.

 

[Slapdash]

I have said this before but it continues to be true. In the past qualifier cycles the US has been on the business end of some horrendous calls. This appears to have flipped this cycle.

Yeah, the US should have had two penalties called last night.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The US Mexico game drew an enormous 1.6 last night in the overnights. The twitter folks expect this to be the highest rated and most watched qualifier ever on ESPN when the final numbers come in. The highest rated games before this were US Jam in 1997 and US Mexico in 2009 which came in at a final rating of .7. This game was also on Unimas at the same time which likely drew even better numbers. This is likely going to be the most watched soccer game (league or national team game) ever for a non WC finals game. Great to see so many people starting to watch qualifiers. With the 5 games in close proximity this summer, they have a nice chance to build a solid consistent following.

I think the snow game helped a lot - it was such a story even on regular news for a couple of days(with the protest story carrying it further) - the positive result was built up that the USMNT were warriors and then the word got out on the Azteca match and how important it could be. Looks like they will need some epic conditions in June.

It also helped that this fell on a non NCAA night. I did not mean to say that this summer was going to approach these ratings, just that with the consistent games on TV, it will be easier to build a good following. Thus summer we will be able to follow the team as like a club team for a few weeks which should be really fun.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jones already had two cards in the previous round (against Jamaica and A&B) - so he is clean for now

Ok that is what I thought. They cleared after the previous round if memory serves.

not exactly - he already sat out his one-game - Guatemala.If you were sitting on one card at the end of the last round - it carried over into this round.

Ah thanks!

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ok lets dance.

Lets pretend what we saw from Besler was the real thing last night. And assuming Cherundolo and Chandler both come back to be available for RB, what do you do for the CB's?

This is specific to you, not to what you think JK will do.

I would do one of two things

Use a 3-5-2 with Cameron as a sweeper that is the main distributor out of the back and Cher and Fab are the work horses out wide

...................Guzan

........Gonzo.....Cam......Besler

Cher...........................................Fab

..................Mikey......Jones

...........................Dempsey

.................Donovan..........Jozy

Or stay with the dual pivot and move Cam into his natural DM position

....................Guzan

Cher......Gonzo.......Besler.....Fab

................Mikey.......Cam

..Gomez...........Dempsey.......Donovan

........................Jozy

 

[Mjolnirs]

Can anyone tell me what the Mexican fans were yelling each time the US keeper kicked the ball? It was a little indistinct on the telecast but they only seemed to say it when he took the goal kick or kick as a result of the offside?

Puto

:reported:

:Confirmed:My wife and I were watching the game and that was what I thought they were saying and she said "There is no way that they would all be screaming that." My response - "First time watching a Mexican soccer game, eh?"

It is very annoying. Our local club, Charleston Battery, has an "official" support group. They sit in one section off to the side and yell this at the opposing team on goal kicks. That and yelling "you suck" seem to be the only way they know to show support.

 

[Native]

Ok lets dance. Lets pretend what we saw from Besler was the real thing last night. And assuming Cherundolo and Chandler both come back to be available for RB, what do you do for the CB's?This is specific to you, not to what you think JK will do. I would do one of two thingsUse a 3-5-2 with Cameron as a sweeper that is the main distributor out of the back and Cher and Fab are the work horses out wide...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........JozyOr stay with the dual pivot and move Cam into his natural DM position....................GuzanCher......Gonzo.......Besler.....Fab................Mikey.......Cam..Gomez...........Dempsey.......Donovan........................Jozy

Id be uttlerly stunned if we ever goto a three man backline, as awesome as that would be.

 

[Slapdash]

Ok lets dance. Lets pretend what we saw from Besler was the real thing last night. And assuming Cherundolo and Chandler both come back to be available for RB, what do you do for the CB's?This is specific to you, not to what you think JK will do. I would do one of two thingsUse a 3-5-2 with Cameron as a sweeper that is the main distributor out of the back and Cher and Fab are the work horses out wide...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........JozyOr stay with the dual pivot and move Cam into his natural DM position....................GuzanCher......Gonzo.......Besler.....Fab................Mikey.......Cam..Gomez...........Dempsey.......Donovan........................Jozy

I don't have a lot of issues with a 3-man back line, but that would be a bad configuration for it. Maybe Zusi in for Cherundolo.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........Jozy

Nice job. Love that lineup. Especially the defensive orientation of the wings. That'd be a hard team to break down.

 

[sporthenry]

For the most part Mexico outplayed the US - better ball control and better scoring opportunities. The US was very fortunate to walk away with a point from the non-call on the penalty (I don't think the Bradley push warranted a penalty) and from Mexico's inability to finish. The US Defense did a great job in thwarting many attempts but some were just bad execution from Mexico.The first response will probably be something along the lines of how depleted the team was due to injury - but who was out that would have played better than someone on the field last night? Fabian Johnson comes to mind at LB - but to DMB's credit, he gutted out a solid game last night. Who else could have helped changed the flow of the game - allowing the US more ball control and more scoring opportunities?

Well I think we forget how tough it is to play on the road during qualification. There have been much better US teams who have gone to Azteca and lost to worse Mexican teams. The US will still be a defensive side and this is a very good side for Mexico. So I wouldn't be surprised to see Mexico win in Columbus and I think a tie would be another good result versus Mexico. As for who else the US can put out there. As people have mentioned, Donovan would have helped. Shea is just getting match fit. I think he would have helped last night with his pace. I'll also add Holden who isn't close to returning but could help with possession once he gets back.

 

[NewlyRetired]

...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........Jozy

Nice job. Love that lineup. Especially the defensive orientation of the wings. That'd be a hard team to break down.

Thanks. I have to admit a pre bias to a 3-5-2 as it is my all time favorite formation. Not sure if Cher has the wheels for it any more but Fab most certainly does. I don't trust Chandler enough yet but he certainly has the mobility to make this work. The 3-5-2 naturally morphs into a 5-3-2 defensively and with Mikey and Jones camped out in front, you can have a nice solid defensive line when you keep your shape.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ok lets dance. Lets pretend what we saw from Besler was the real thing last night. And assuming Cherundolo and Chandler both come back to be available for RB, what do you do for the CB's?This is specific to you, not to what you think JK will do. I would do one of two thingsUse a 3-5-2 with Cameron as a sweeper that is the main distributor out of the back and Cher and Fab are the work horses out wide...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........JozyOr stay with the dual pivot and move Cam into his natural DM position....................GuzanCher......Gonzo.......Besler.....Fab................Mikey.......Cam..Gomez...........Dempsey.......Donovan........................Jozy

I don't have a lot of issues with a 3-man back line, but that would be a bad configuration for it. Maybe Zusi in for Cherundolo.

I really like Zusi, but the mobility needed for the wide players in 3-5-2 does not play to his strength at all. I mentioned in my previous post that Cher might not have the wheels for this anymore. If I could only trust Chandler more, his athletic skill set would be near perfect for that role.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Ok lets dance. Lets pretend what we saw from Besler was the real thing last night. And assuming Cherundolo and Chandler both come back to be available for RB, what do you do for the CB's?This is specific to you, not to what you think JK will do. I would do one of two thingsUse a 3-5-2 with Cameron as a sweeper that is the main distributor out of the back and Cher and Fab are the work horses out wide...................Guzan........Gonzo.....Cam......BeslerCher...........................................Fab..................Mikey......Jones...........................Dempsey.................Donovan..........JozyOr stay with the dual pivot and move Cam into his natural DM position....................GuzanCher......Gonzo.......Besler.....Fab................Mikey.......Cam..Gomez...........Dempsey.......Donovan........................Jozy

Id be uttlerly stunned if we ever goto a three man backline, as awesome as that would be.

I was not trying to predict JK, just saying what I would like to see. Like you I would be shocked if JK introduced a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 this summer.

 

[Steve Tasker]

My thoughts:

- MOTM was Omar Gonzalez. Slight nod to Besler as well, but Gonzalez was fantastic. Aside from that long-range save at the end, Guzan barely had to do anything. The big US CBs controlled the box on all of Mexico's 436 corner kicks and used their size advantage effectively. And credit the rest of the defensive effort as well...the Mexican strikers got behind the US defense probably 5 times or less for the entire game.

- I thought Edu was the worst player on the field. I've always been a fan but he just didn't have it last night. Gave the ball away cheaply in his own third several times and just wasn't playing well.

- I would've liked to have seen more from Zusi or Gomez on the wings, but I think the overal US strategy kinda didn't allow for this. US' offensive strategy seemed to be to play it to Altidore with his back to goal (Gator>hi) and hope to build an attack that way. I think I would've liked to see Zusi in particular get forward a bit more and have some more freedom on the wing; it almost looked like Davis and Shea and some of this freedom late in the game. But the deeper strategy worked, and Zusi's work to clear that one header in the second half was great.

- DMB is a warrior. I was stunned that they kept him in, but he toughed it out even after a weak first 30 minutes. Seemed to get better as the game wore on.

- I think it's interesting how we criticize other teams for playing "negatively", yet we're all thrilled about last night's result. Funny how that works.

- Who would've thought that El Tri - the team who breezed through the last round 6-0-0 - would be on the outside looking in after 3 games (2 of them home games) in the Hex?

 

[NewlyRetired]

For the most part Mexico outplayed the US - better ball control and better scoring opportunities. The US was very fortunate to walk away with a point from the non-call on the penalty (I don't think the Bradley push warranted a penalty) and from Mexico's inability to finish. The US Defense did a great job in thwarting many attempts but some were just bad execution from Mexico.The first response will probably be something along the lines of how depleted the team was due to injury - but who was out that would have played better than someone on the field last night? Fabian Johnson comes to mind at LB - but to DMB's credit, he gutted out a solid game last night. Who else could have helped changed the flow of the game - allowing the US more ball control and more scoring opportunities?

Well I think we forget how tough it is to play on the road during qualification. There have been much better US teams who have gone to Azteca and lost to worse Mexican teams. The US will still be a defensive side and this is a very good side for Mexico. So I wouldn't be surprised to see Mexico win in Columbus and I think a tie would be another good result versus Mexico. As for who else the US can put out there. As people have mentioned, Donovan would have helped. Shea is just getting match fit. I think he would have helped last night with his pace. I'll also add Holden who isn't close to returning but could help with possession once he gets back.

If anything, I think JK has finally realized that you can't play "pretty" soccer in Concacaf and get away with it. The gap between the haves and have not's in Concacaf are not like the massive gaps you see between the have's and have nots in Europe where the best teams playing pretty almost always win. Concacaf is nasty, dirty and if you don't dig and put your pride to the side you are never going to get results like last night. I am sure we all would have loved the US to have an offensive tactical plan but in reality that would have resulted in a lop sided loss. I am not the biggest JK fan but I give him credit for starting to learn and adapt in this ugly region.

 

[NewlyRetired]

- Who would've thought that El Tri - the team who breezed through the last round 6-0-0 - would be on the outside looking in after 3 games (2 of them home games) in the Hex?

I honestly expected Mexico to run the table at home this year getting 15 points. The fact that they can now only max out at 11 points at home I never in my wildest dreams would have guessed. Knowing that they struggle on the road in Concacaf is now likely to see them have to work right up until the final day, just like everyone else. And you have to love Panama on top. Crazy stuff this cycle. That last game at Panama could be ugly. If there was ever a cycle to wrap this up 1 game early, this would be it, but that may take some doing. We are going to have a much clearer picture in June when I think all teams will have played 6 games. If US comes out of June with 10 points, I am going to feel pretty good, if they get out at 11 points(which means they likely put a fork in Jamaica's hopes), I will feel great.

 

[NewlyRetired]

- I thought Edu was the worst player on the field. I've always been a fan but he just didn't have it last night. Gave the ball away cheaply in his own third several times and just wasn't playing well.

Yeah I agree.Passing was below what you expect for his position (39 completed 6 not completed), but his tackle ratio was god awful. He was tackled and dispossessed a massive 9 times in the game. That is unacceptable at this level at his position. To contrast with Mikey who played a similar role, Mikey passing was 57 for 58, an obviously excellent mark and he was tackled 3 times to lose possession.Surprisingly neither player was credited with a single tackle last night, which seems impossible for their position.

 

[berndog]

- I thought Edu was the worst player on the field. I've always been a fan but he just didn't have it last night. Gave the ball away cheaply in his own third several times and just wasn't playing well.

Passing was below what you expect for his position (39 completed 6 not completed), but his tackle ratio was god awful. He was tackled and dispossessed a massive 9 times in the game. That is unacceptable at this level at his position. To contrast with Mikey who played a similar role, Mikey passing was 57 for 58, an obviously excellent mark and he was tackled 3 times to lose possession.Surprisingly neither player was credited with a single tackle last night, which seems impossible for their position.

Link to these stats?

 

[NewlyRetired]

- I thought Edu was the worst player on the field. I've always been a fan but he just didn't have it last night. Gave the ball away cheaply in his own third several times and just wasn't playing well.

Passing was below what you expect for his position (39 completed 6 not completed), but his tackle ratio was god awful. He was tackled and dispossessed a massive 9 times in the game. That is unacceptable at this level at his position. To contrast with Mikey who played a similar role, Mikey passing was 57 for 58, an obviously excellent mark and he was tackled 3 times to lose possession.Surprisingly neither player was credited with a single tackle last night, which seems impossible for their position.

Link to these stats?

These are the opta chalk board stats. Fantastic tool to use. If you have not used it before, it is pretty simple, just click on a players name in the left column (it will high light some general stats)and then click on an events filter in the right hand column and you will see when and where and how the stat played out on the field.The heat map is also great to look at.http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-03-26-MEX-v-USA/chalkboard

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I feel bad for Jozy. I honestly believe he had a better game than Hernandez. Neither was much of a factor (I'm pretty sure Chicharito had fewer touches than anyone else who went 90). The difference is that Hernandez wasn't a factor despite getting some pretty delicious service at times. I'm fine with the tactics, but if we go with a lone striker we can't complain that he doesn't score goals without service. Loan strikers don't, and shouldn't, have license to run all over the field looking for the ball. I'd still like to see a 4-4-2 at home.

I might have rated DMB better than most. I think he did more than compete. I think he made plays, sometimes awkwardly, against a guy in Aquino who was playing great. Other than the foul, the only other clear mistake he was plowed over. I'm not all sure that Fab would have done better. I think he would have offered more going forward, but that wasn't what was needed.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm no expert and haven't watched nearly as much soccer as many of you, but three thoughts..

1) Getting out of there with a point was fantastic.

2) I don't know that I have ever seen a game in my life at any level in which one team applied so little pressure on the opposing goalkeeper. The U.S. didn't have one legitimate scoring chance that I saw.

3) The fans at Estadio Azteca have to be the most classless on Earth. Aside from the past chants of "Osama" at the U.S., to bellow homophobic slurs on every goal kick and to boo the oppositions national anthem just shows how low they are. It's possible to be passionate without being disrespectful at best to loathsome at worst.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Besler only found he was starting around noon on Tuesday when Goodson told JK he did not feel like his hamstring would hold up.

Considering Goodson is at the end of his time and Besler is just beginning, this could not have worked out better for the team going forward.

Again, this is a big if, but if Besler is what he showed, the team just got younger and better at a position they were low in depth with.

 

[Slapdash]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I think both the Edu and Bradley fouls were clear penalties. Didn't look like Edu got any of the ball.

 

[NewlyRetired]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I think both the Edu and Bradley fouls were clear penalties. Didn't look like Edu got any of the ball.

Edu's was clear to me. Clumsy challenge at best and when it is from the guys butt, it is a clear penalty. Although he must have gotten a piece of the ball because it was a corner kick after the play (not that it would negate the penalty anyway).Bradley's was not clear to me. Every time I rewatch it, Bradley's hands are most definitively on his back but Hernandez appears to fall before Bradley's arms extend. I think Hernandez embellished that one quite a bit.

 

[Moe.]

Again, this is a big if, but if Besler is what he showed, the team just got younger and better at a position they were low in depth with.

I don't see any reason to think we can't get what we saw from him last night on a consistent basis. It's not like last night's performance was out of character or anything, as you said a few pages back he's one of the best defenders in the league.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I'm no expert and haven't watched nearly as much soccer as many of you, but three thoughts..1) Getting out of there with a point was fantastic. 2) I don't know that I have ever seen a game in my life at any level in which one team applied so little pressure on the opposing goalkeeper. The U.S. didn't have one legitimate scoring chance that I saw.3) The fans at Estadio Azteca have to be the most classless on Earth. Aside from the past chants of "Osama" at the U.S., to bellow homophobic slurs on every goal kick and to boo the oppositions national anthem just shows how low they are. It's possible to be passionate without being disrespectful at best to loathsome at worst.

great points allPoint 1 shows you have watched more soccer than you think. Many newer fans won't appreciate thatPoint 2 was mostly tactical. I honestly think they had exactly one scoring chance, when Cam's header went inches wide early on but they called an incorrect infraction on Cam anyway on the header.Point 3 is true, but sadly they may not even be the worst in Concacaf. I felt bad for the US fans last night. Almost every fan who goes there says the same thing. Before they get into the stadium, the people they meet are incredibly friendly and kind. Once they get into the stadium, they turn crazy.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Again, this is a big if, but if Besler is what he showed, the team just got younger and better at a position they were low in depth with.

I don't see any reason to think we can't get what we saw from him last night on a consistent basis. It's not like last night's performance was out of character or anything, as you said a few pages back he's one of the best defenders in the league.

I always lean towards being cautious with these things as I hate to get too excited with players who just made the leap.

 

[gianmarco]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I think both the Edu and Bradley fouls were clear penalties. Didn't look like Edu got any of the ball.

Edu's was clear to me. Clumsy challenge at best and when it is from the guys butt, it is a clear penalty.Bradley's was not clear to me. Every time I rewatch it, Bradley's hands are most definitively on his back but Hernandez appears to fall before Bradley's arms extend. I think Hernandez embellished that one quite a bit.

Slow motion gif of Edu. Pretty clear penalty, IMO.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Casual soccer follower here... mainly just gear up during the WC. What are the chances the US advances? Top 3 get an auto bid, correct? I see the US is right in the middle of the group standings at this point. How does the rest of the group outside of Mexico stack up/what are the expectations on who advances?

At this point, I think the chances of qualifying are around 85% or so. Just an estimate.

 

[boubucarow]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I think both the Edu and Bradley fouls were clear penalties. Didn't look like Edu got any of the ball.

Edu's was clear to me. Clumsy challenge at best and when it is from the guys butt, it is a clear penalty. Although he must have gotten a piece of the ball because it was a corner kick after the play (not that it would negate the penalty anyway).Bradley's was not clear to me. Every time I rewatch it, Bradley's hands are most definitively on his back but Hernandez appears to fall before Bradley's arms extend. I think Hernandez embellished that one quite a bit.

I agree Edu was a clear penalty. But I think the ref either "saw" Edu's left foot hit the ball or "didn't see" Edu make contact prior to the bad touch by Aquino (right?).I think both pushes (Beasley and Bradley) were seriously embellished.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Casual soccer follower here... mainly just gear up during the WC. What are the chances the US advances? Top 3 get an auto bid, correct? I see the US is right in the middle of the group standings at this point. How does the rest of the group outside of Mexico stack up/what are the expectations on who advances?

At this point, I think the chances of qualifying are around 85% or so. Just an estimate.

here is the exact SPI percentages from ESPN after last nights game for the chances of the various teams in the hex to advance to the WC. (these include the possibility of 4th place and playing New Zealand home and home). Mex 86.4%USA 77.5%CR 76.5%Hon 55.4%Pan 50.6%Jam 19.2%

 

[boubucarow]

My thoughts:

- MOTM was Omar Gonzalez. Slight nod to Besler as well, but Gonzalez was fantastic. Aside from that long-range save at the end, Guzan barely had to do anything. The big US CBs controlled the box on all of Mexico's 436 corner kicks and used their size advantage effectively. And credit the rest of the defensive effort as well...the Mexican strikers got behind the US defense probably 5 times or less for the entire game.

- I thought Edu was the worst player on the field. I've always been a fan but he just didn't have it last night. Gave the ball away cheaply in his own third several times and just wasn't playing well.

- I would've liked to have seen more from Zusi or Gomez on the wings, but I think the overal US strategy kinda didn't allow for this. US' offensive strategy seemed to be to play it to Altidore with his back to goal (Gator>hi) and hope to build an attack that way. I think I would've liked to see Zusi in particular get forward a bit more and have some more freedom on the wing; it almost looked like Davis and Shea and some of this freedom late in the game. But the deeper strategy worked, and Zusi's work to clear that one header in the second half was great.

- DMB is a warrior. I was stunned that they kept him in, but he toughed it out even after a weak first 30 minutes. Seemed to get better as the game wore on.

- I think it's interesting how we criticize other teams for playing "negatively", yet we're all thrilled about last night's result. Funny how that works.

- Who would've thought that El Tri - the team who breezed through the last round 6-0-0 - would be on the outside looking in after 3 games (2 of them home games) in the Hex?

Almost exactly my thoughts. I would also agree with RHE that DMB deserves credit for more than toughing it out (you did give him some). He sniffed out a few attacking moves in the 2nd half with tremendous instincts.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Casual soccer follower here... mainly just gear up during the WC. What are the chances the US advances? Top 3 get an auto bid, correct? I see the US is right in the middle of the group standings at this point. How does the rest of the group outside of Mexico stack up/what are the expectations on who advances?

At this point, I think the chances of qualifying are around 85% or so. Just an estimate.

here is the exact SPI percentages from ESPN after last nights game for the chances of the various teams in the hex to advance to the WC. (these include the possibility of 4th place and playing New Zealand home and home). Mex 86.4%USA 77.5%CR 76.5%Hon 55.4%Pan 50.6%Jam 19.2%

Shouldn't they add up to 400 then?

 

[Sammy3469]

A few random thoughts. I think I'm the only person who doesn't think Edu committed a "stone-cold lock penalty." FWIW, I certainly don't think it's an example of the ref not seeing the play. I think the ref saw Edu nick the ball before wiping out the attacker. I'm not sure I agree with the distinction, particularly when the tackle comes from behind, but I've seen that let go before. I'd file it under "I've seen them given."

I think both the Edu and Bradley fouls were clear penalties. Didn't look like Edu got any of the ball.

Edu's was clear to me. Clumsy challenge at best and when it is from the guys butt, it is a clear penalty. Although he must have gotten a piece of the ball because it was a corner kick after the play (not that it would negate the penalty anyway).Bradley's was not clear to me. Every time I rewatch it, Bradley's hands are most definitively on his back but Hernandez appears to fall before Bradley's arms extend. I think Hernandez embellished that one quite a bit.

I agree Edu was a clear penalty. But I think the ref either "saw" Edu's left foot hit the ball or "didn't see" Edu make contact prior to the bad touch by Aquino (right?).I think both pushes (Beasley and Bradley) were seriously embellished.

The ref is also directly in front of the play at a different angle than any of the replays I've seen. So either it looked completely different from that angle or he just blew it.

 

[Moe.]

Casual soccer follower here... mainly just gear up during the WC. What are the chances the US advances? Top 3 get an auto bid, correct? I see the US is right in the middle of the group standings at this point. How does the rest of the group outside of Mexico stack up/what are the expectations on who advances?

At this point, I think the chances of qualifying are around 85% or so. Just an estimate.

here is the exact SPI percentages from ESPN after last nights game for the chances of the various teams in the hex to advance to the WC. (these include the possibility of 4th place and playing New Zealand home and home). Mex 86.4%USA 77.5%CR 76.5%Hon 55.4%Pan 50.6%Jam 19.2%

Shouldn't they add up to 400 then?

Those are the chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, so there's a > 0% chance that NZL will defeat whoever finishes fourth.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Again, this is a big if, but if Besler is what he showed, the team just got younger and better at a position they were low in depth with.

Ever since Steve Sampson's debacle I've thought that the tension between needing your most experienced players to qualify, but needing an infusion of younger players to do well at the World Cup is the defining feature of WCQ for teams like the U.S. that aren't loaded six deep at every position (like Brazil, Germany, etc.)That the US is grinding out results while at the same time getting experience for the young guys who can help in eighteen months is the best of all possible worlds.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Those are the chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, so there's a > 0% chance that NZL will defeat whoever finishes fourth.

This suggests that NZ has about a 36% chance of beating the 4th place team.

 

[Moe.]

Those are the chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, so there's a > 0% chance that NZL will defeat whoever finishes fourth.

This suggests that NZ has about a 36% chance of beating the 4th place team.

Sounds about right, but man that travel is going to suck for whoever gets fourth. I wouldn't want any part of that.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Those are the chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, so there's a > 0% chance that NZL will defeat whoever finishes fourth.

This suggests that NZ has about a 36% chance of beating the 4th place team.

Sounds about right, but man that travel is going to suck for whoever gets fourth. I wouldn't want any part of that.

it is the mother of all road trips for the MLS and Liga MX based players. Although it should even out as their road trip here would suck as well.

 

[CBusAlex]

They hold it in Columbus because they have figured out the ticket distribution.

I don't think this is correct, at least not anymore. It was at first, but by now there are at least a half dozen sites around the country that could use the same formula (pre-sales to the Outlaws and supporter's groups and MLS season ticket holders and oh look, the stadium is sold out, sorry general public) to get a strongly pro-US crowd.The reason the Mexico game is in Columbus is because we ####### win there.

 

[NewlyRetired]

They hold it in Columbus because they have figured out the ticket distribution.

I don't think this is correct, at least not anymore. It was at first, but by now there are at least a half dozen sites around the country that could use the same formula (pre-sales to the Outlaws and supporter's groups and MLS season ticket holders and oh look, the stadium is sold out, sorry general public) to get a strongly pro-US crowd.

They tried this formula in DC once and got sued. It was ugly, brought a ton of bad press and scared the living crap out of the federation and since have never tried to do that anywhere but Columbus FWIW. Luckily the the suit did not win but they had to spend enough money to to defend themselves from the crap that I think they are very careful now in how they go about doing this.The guys in Columbus don't just know the formula, they now how to go about it with out pissing off a section of the fans that are not US supporters.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Good god. I knew the UniMas numbers would be good from last night but this is mind boggling.

The game average 7.8 million viewers on UniMas, making it the largest watched program in UniMas's history.

When we get the final numbers from ESPN, we could be close to 10 million viewers watched this game.

 

[Sebowski]

That was the quietest 100k crowd you will ever see. After the first 15 minutes they sucked.

Just wait to Seattle shows them how to make noise and not sit on your butt all game.

Got my tix in the Outlaw section.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Casual soccer follower here... mainly just gear up during the WC. What are the chances the US advances? Top 3 get an auto bid, correct? I see the US is right in the middle of the group standings at this point. How does the rest of the group outside of Mexico stack up/what are the expectations on who advances?

At this point, I think the chances of qualifying are around 85% or so. Just an estimate.

here is the exact SPI percentages from ESPN after last nights game for the chances of the various teams in the hex to advance to the WC. (these include the possibility of 4th place and playing New Zealand home and home). Mex 86.4%USA 77.5%CR 76.5%Hon 55.4%Pan 50.6%Jam 19.2%

Shouldn't they add up to 400 then?

Those are the chances of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, so there's a > 0% chance that NZL will defeat whoever finishes fourth.

I took his comment as sarcasm

 

[NewlyRetired]

I am not 100% sure but I think the game last night drew more viewers than any soccer game ever that was not a WC game.

As a comparison to the 9-10 million the game drew last night, the US Women's gold medal game last summer drew 4.35 million and the Euro 2012 Final drew a little over 4 million.