prefontaine
Footballguy
This sounds eerily familiar to what he said about John Brooks this summer
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US Men's National Team (12 Viewers)
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prefontaine
Footballguy
Mexico once again didn't call Zendejas so I stand corrected on my take of this situation. Definitely one to monitor.Oh this is a tasty story (from Sciaretta). Well worth a quick read.........lets hope Mexico stepped into it again
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This brings up now to Alejandro Zendejas who has blossomed into a very good winger at Club America. Zendejas is a product of FC Dallas and last played for the United States at the 2015 U-17 World Cup where he was on a team that included Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Brandon Vazquez, and Haji Wright. After that World Cup, he began playing for FC Dallas but in 2016 he was sold to Chivas, which has a policy of only employing players who are eligible and willing to play for Mexico. Zendejas agreed not to play for the United States and play for Mexico while at Chivas.
Since then, Zendejas has played for Mexican youth games (but never in an official competition), but in 2021 he started to play for Mexico’s full national team in friendlies. To date, he has done this twice.
But now it gets interesting. To play for a full national team in friendlies, it requires a one-time switch if the player had played officially for the youth national teams of another country. It was assumed he did so, but it turns out he did not. Not only that, but Zendejas is indicating that he doesn’t want to. This is according to Mexico boss Tata Martino who spoke to the media after a recent 1-0 loss to Paraguay.
"The player needed to sign a document and the player didn't want to sign it," Mexico's coach told TUDN after the defeat. "There is no problem with the federation, no problem with the manager, nothing."
This begs the questions, did Mexico violate the rules for playing Zendejas before he filed a one-time-switch? It’s probably not a major infraction given it was a friendly (it’s not like Paraguay would complain in a friendly it won). But it also raises the question of whether or not Zendejas wants to return to the United States. He still knows a lot of American players from his youth days and he is doing very well right now.
This is getting a little late for Qatar, but possibly next cycle? For now, it is interesting to see how this all comes together and if U.S. Soccer is speaking with Zendejas.
Makes me think we should have called him over Morris. Pulisic apparently spoke on his behalf
berndog
Footballguy
I’m surprised Ream isn’t on the team. He is our best passing center back playing well against tough competition. He captains Fulham so obviously a great leader.
Even if he doesn’t get on the field in Qatar his veteran presence should be welcomed. Crossing my fingers Berhalter will reconsider but doubtful he will.
Even if he doesn’t get on the field in Qatar his veteran presence should be welcomed. Crossing my fingers Berhalter will reconsider but doubtful he will.
kneeshooter
Footballguy
Berhalter on Tim Ream missing out #USMNT: "Some of the things we're looking for in our center-backs is to play a high line, cover the space behind them, and be dominant in the air. That's not Tim's strength."
prefontaine
Footballguy
Haven't been watching but see Dest is on for Milan. He appears to be playing as a winger and he's fitting in well in Italy alraedy as in the 2 minutes I've watched him he's made multiple flops looking for fouls (he got nothing but a wry smile from the ref).
berndog
Footballguy
Not as exciting but Sands also startedSnacks also starting.
Pulisic on the bench. My work getting neglected.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Reyna getting a few times with some space - Dortmund has played City well. Both teams seem like they could score - City with tons of possession and Dortmund on the counter.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Sands sent off with a 2nd yellow in the box so it comes with a PK. It was a harsh call but I'm glad VAR didn't overturn because I hate VAR substituting the ref's subjective opinion for the VAR officials subjective opinion.
Anyway, Napoli takes the kick and it is saved but the rebound was put in. The player that put the rebound in was in the box early and so the kick was retaken. I don't like that rule because the kick was saved, why should they get to take it again? It should be a free kick at the spot of the encroachment. Instead, Napoli got another chance. The kick was exactly the same and the keeper went the exact same way to save it again.
All that's to say that Sands isn't the goat now and the crowd is very much ablaze.
ETA: and just as i finished typing Napoli were awarded another PK and executed finally. But at least it wasn't the one Sands gave away
Anyway, Napoli takes the kick and it is saved but the rebound was put in. The player that put the rebound in was in the box early and so the kick was retaken. I don't like that rule because the kick was saved, why should they get to take it again? It should be a free kick at the spot of the encroachment. Instead, Napoli got another chance. The kick was exactly the same and the keeper went the exact same way to save it again.
All that's to say that Sands isn't the goat now and the crowd is very much ablaze.
ETA: and just as i finished typing Napoli were awarded another PK and executed finally. But at least it wasn't the one Sands gave away
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
6 straight wins for Norwich which puts them in 2nd, 1 point off the top.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Sargent is now alone in 2nd in scoring in the Championship.
There is only one other player his age in the top 15, the rest are all older.
There is only one other player his age in the top 15, the rest are all older.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here are Reyna's touches. solid game for him today
The Z Machine
Footballguy
How'd he close out the match? I saw that Haaland highlight. Gut punch for BvB.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Gio subbed out with Dortmund up 1-0
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Oops, Thor
berndog
Footballguy
He made that header look easy as his run took him away from goal
berndog
Footballguy
He found nice pockets of space and had some tidy touches.
Was thinking how he and Aaronson are both taking corner kicks and made me think how different they are.
Gio has this slick economy of motion whereas Aaronson is this spastic ballet with controlled purpose.
Can we bubble wrap them until November?
prefontaine
Footballguy
I've watched a lot of Leeds this year and their corners have been garbage mostly. I don't think Aaronson is very good at them but their alternate taker is Harrison and he's maybe even worse.
Gio is actually really good at both indirect and direct free kicks. He strikes it sweetly which is something Aaronson really lacks from his game. Gio and Acosta are the only two reliable set piece takers we have and Acosta isn't a starter and Gio is always hurt. It's a big reason why we basically scored no set piece goals in qualifying.
This is yet another reason we just have to find a spot for Gio on the pitch because with McKennie and Zimmerman, we have two really good targets and it really should be a big piece of our attacking game. FTR in the Nations Cup final vs Mexico, Gio took the corner when McKennie tied it up.
---------------
On a side note, I'm sure Gio was amped for that game. For those that don't know, he's a big Manchester City supporter from when his father played for them.
Here's a blog he wrote about it a few years ago. "One of these days I really need to say thank you to Sergio Agüero. For a long time I have been like, I need to play against this guy, just so that I can talk to him. Not just because my grandfather is Argentine, or because Sergio is one of my family’s favorite players, or because at the World Cup two years ago we all sat in front of the TV rooting for Argentina." Despite that lede, this is not a very happy article.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
looks like the leeks of the US WC kit were correct. Nike announced them today
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Have grown to truly hate Lalas.
SwampDawg
Footballguy
where did you see this? I'm not a fan of them but my son does have a birthday coming up.
TLEF316
Footballguy
SwampDawg
Footballguy
Thanks
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Thank you. I'm surprised there wasn't more gnashing of teeth over Pepi at the exclusion of Pre, Vazquez and Haji. I was pissed.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Yeah, not sure why you wouldn't bring Vazquez into camp based on his goal scoring form.
prefontaine
Footballguy
What's confounding about it is that it didn't need to be at the exclusion of. There was no roster limit so there was really no reason not to bring Vasquez and Mihailovic in particular (although this is a European camp).
If we believe Berhalter's explanations in the past, by not bringing these guys, they can't be integrated. Since neither of these guys have been in a camp, they are pretty much eliminated from World Cup options. In case of injuries, I'd want to bring them into training even if you have no intention to play them.
gianmarco
Footballguy
This is the thing I will never understand with him and don't think he's ever going to change and get right. It's a big reason why he's slow to come around to guys even though he usually does. If only he would do this, get the roster selection right from the start, bring guys into camp, then he wouldn't be so limited when these guys are still in form and COULD be playing but were never brought in so now they can't.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Regarding Pepi, do you guys think there is a sense of loyalty here by GGG, even if it is subconscious?
He basically saved GGG's job with his 2 game pop when the US were faltering badly in qualifying.
He basically saved GGG's job with his 2 game pop when the US were faltering badly in qualifying.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Are we even going to bring a third #9? Seems like it's Jesus and Sargent. I just can't get worked up about this at all. Feels very forests and trees to me. He's made a ton of good decisions. Maybe a window later than we'd like sometimes, but overall he's done so many things right that he's earned a lot of slack IMO. Especially about the 23rd(?) player on the roster.
Plus Pefok and Haji are both true center forwards and our team has looked like total crap when we've put someone in that role. Vasquez, fair enough -- but as @gianmarco says, we know how he operates now and that's at least consistent.
Plus Pefok and Haji are both true center forwards and our team has looked like total crap when we've put someone in that role. Vasquez, fair enough -- but as @gianmarco says, we know how he operates now and that's at least consistent.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I agree he got it wrong but I just don’t see Pepi vs. Pefok vs. Haji being anything meaningful for the WC. I hope none of those 3 ever see the pitch. Doesn’t excuse GGG but I’m kind of meh about it.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
I’m numb to at this point. And every selection matters as most every player (sans backup GK) end up getting minutes in the WC.
prefontaine
Footballguy
I disagree
In 14 WCQ matches:
Pepi 8 starts, went 90 1 match
Jesus 2 starts, went 90 1 match
Zardes 2 starts, went 90 0 times
Sargent 2 starts, went 90 0 times
So in 14 matches, we only had 2 where we didn't sub the starting striker. The 2nd guy is definitely getting time and no striker started all 3 games in a window in WCQ. Given everyone's inconsistent form, not caring about the 3rd striker leaves you at the mercy of the form/health of Jesus and Sargent.
I'd also point out how limiting it is tactically but I don't think it matters with Berhalter at the helm since he doesn't seem interested in adjusting tactics at all and would rather perfect one thing than have options.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
He would also like to take players that fit tactically and know his system than players that are in form and play every day against the elite players we are likely to se in the WC. God forbid we adjust tactics to fit the best players we have.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Of course.
Hoping they call in Mihailovic as a replacement. Guessing they probably wont.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
..................Turner
Yedlin.....Zimm.....Long........Dest
.......................Adams
..............Weston.......Luca
Aaronson.........Jesus...........Pulisic
something like this I would guess.....
Yedlin.....Zimm.....Long........Dest
.......................Adams
..............Weston.......Luca
Aaronson.........Jesus...........Pulisic
something like this I would guess.....
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
and while the Dortmund coach is surely begging GGG to not play Gio, the Musah injury seems to open up minutes to see Gio at the 8.
Dinsy Ejotuz
Footballguy
Hoping to see Williamson again.
kneeshooter
Footballguy
Fairly reliable source:
Tactical Manager
@ManagerTactical
Looks like Johnny Cardoso is coming into camp.
10:25 AM · Sep 16, 2022·Twitter for iPhone
El Floppo
Footballguy
Somebody here said they'd heard he's playing well. Hope so... He was so far of the game previously, seems a strange choice given the other options like djorgi.
prefontaine
Footballguy
Djordje definitely should be called.
But Johnny has been a top performer in Brazil this season. He's solidified himself as the every day starter for Internacional having started the last 6 matches picking up 2 goals and 1 assist in that period (and his club has gone 4-1-1). They are up to 2nd in Serie A and he's by far the youngest player in their first XI.
It's easy to not rate the Brazilian league because we don't see them but it's probably on par with Portugal/Netherlands and a step up from MLS. 538 ranks Internacional #87 (4th highest Brazilian club) just above Fulham who is #88 in world team rankings. Philly is the top MLS side at #95. So if a 20-year old 6/8 was starting for Fulham.....
I don't have a problem with him being called but like you think he was pretty dreadful in the past. And Djordje is doing it week in and week out for a while now. He's earned a shot.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Missed it - what is Musah's injury?
TLEF316
Footballguy
I remember the initial thought was that Johnny was more of a 6. Then he started playing a little further forward as an 8 (and I THINK that's where he played in the failed Olympic qualifying. But its been a while)
I guess I just wish Greg would use the last couple of roster spots (especially with the expanded roster) on guys who bring something a little something different....rather than just a 3rd stringer for "his system".
Maybe Cardoso has improved a bunch. But there's no way he's anything more than the 3rd #6 with this group (and he's probably even further down the pecking order as an 8, especially if you can move Gio or Lil' Brendan there in a pinch)
I'm not gonna pretend I've seen Djordje play a bunch, but it seems like he brings at least some ability to unlock a low block as a more offensive 8/10 type. So if the system fails and you have to do something different late in a game, he's a potential option.
So, I'd prefer that. Barring an Adams injury/suspension, Cardoso has basically zero chance of seeing the field. So why bring him?
I guess I just wish Greg would use the last couple of roster spots (especially with the expanded roster) on guys who bring something a little something different....rather than just a 3rd stringer for "his system".
Maybe Cardoso has improved a bunch. But there's no way he's anything more than the 3rd #6 with this group (and he's probably even further down the pecking order as an 8, especially if you can move Gio or Lil' Brendan there in a pinch)
I'm not gonna pretend I've seen Djordje play a bunch, but it seems like he brings at least some ability to unlock a low block as a more offensive 8/10 type. So if the system fails and you have to do something different late in a game, he's a potential option.
So, I'd prefer that. Barring an Adams injury/suspension, Cardoso has basically zero chance of seeing the field. So why bring him?
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Fwiw
I'll just say I don't agree with at all. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but historically if you want to be successful all 20 field players end up making some type of appearance and you end up essentially needing 3rd man up cover at every position. This may be slightly different this time with 23 field players, but you need the cover at every position. If GGG has made the decision to play a double pivot (i.e. effectively a 4-2-3-1 versus a 4-3-3 single pivot), you need to bring a 4th (the three being Acosta, Adams, and Swag with Musah out) that can play the pivot for cover especially since that's the position of high yellow card accumulation.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
all they said was he has a knock and the coach asked GGG to let him recover. It does not sound like anything serious.
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